Change Management as a Service: A Flexible Approach to Organisational Transformation

With disruption becoming the norm rather than the exception, the ability to navigate change effectively has become a defining trait of resilient organisations. Whether it’s technological transformation, organisational restructuring, or adapting to new market realities companies that implement structured change management processes are six times more likely to achieve their desired outcomes compared to those that don’t. But while the value of change management is well understood, the question remains: what’s the best approach for your organisation? 

Traditionally, many organisations have opted to bring in external change managers to help guide them through complex transformations. This approach is often the right choice when dealing with large-scale projects that require deep expertise and an outside perspective. At Lagom, we offer highly skilled change management consultants who can embed themselves within your team, ensuring that your change initiatives are executed smoothly and successfully. 

However, we also recognize that hiring full-time external consultants may not always be the best fit for every organisation. In today’s fast-paced, cost-conscious environment, companies are seeking more flexible, scalable alternatives. That’s why we’ve developed our Change Management as a Service (CMaaS) offering—a service designed to empower your internal teams to take charge of change management with the right support, tools, and expertise. 

Understanding CMaaS: A Flexible Alternative 

How does Change Management as a Service redefine the way companies approach transformation, and what makes it different from traditional methods? 

CMaaS is a tailored advisory service that helps organisations navigate change without the need for full-time external consultants. Rather than embedding a change manager in your project, Lagom’s CMaaS focuses on upskilling your internal leaders to take on the role of change champions. We work closely with your team to help them develop the core skills needed to manage change, while providing ongoing guidance and support at critical checkpoints throughout your project. 

This approach allows organisations to retain control over their change processes, while also benefiting from external expertise as needed. CMaaS is ideal for companies that want to build long-term capabilities and reduce their reliance on external consultants, all while maintaining agility in the face of change. 

Here’s how CMaaS works: 

1. Initial Consultation and Strategy Development 
   Our experts start by working with your leadership team to assess your current change readiness, identify potential challenges, and define a clear change management strategy tailored to your organisation’s needs. This includes helping you determine the scope of change, understanding stakeholder impact, and aligning change initiatives with your overall business goals. 

1. Upskilling Leaders 
   Once the strategy is in place, we focus on upskilling your internal leaders. Through customised training sessions, workshops, and one-on-one coaching, we teach your leaders the fundamentals of change management, equipping them with the tools and frameworks they need to successfully lead change efforts. This empowers your internal teams to become the driving force behind transformation. 

1. Ongoing Support and Checkpoints 
   CMaaS doesn’t stop once your leaders are trained. We provide ongoing support throughout the lifecycle of your change project, checking in at key milestones to ensure that your initiatives stay on track. This might include providing feedback on communication plans, helping to manage stakeholder engagement, or offering insights on how to address resistance to change. 

1. Tools and Artifacts 
   As part of our service, we provide access to a suite of change management tools and templates that your team can use to plan, track, and implement their change initiatives. This includes everything from stakeholder maps and risk assessments to communication plans and progress tracking dashboards. These tools help streamline the change process and ensure a consistent approach across the organisation. 

When an External Change Manager is the Best Option 

While CMaaS offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative, we understand that there are times when bringing in an external change manager is the best approach. Large-scale transformations, high-risk projects, or complex changes that involve multiple business units or geographies often require the deep expertise and dedicated focus that only a full-time change manager can provide. 

External change managers bring with them years of experience across industries and sectors. They can offer a fresh perspective, help identify potential pitfalls, and ensure that change initiatives are aligned with broader strategic goals. At Lagom, our change management consultants have a proven track record of successfully leading complex change projects. 

For some organisations, combining the two approaches—using an external change manager for the early stages of a project, while upskilling internal leaders through CMaaS for ongoing management—can provide the best of both worlds. 

Building Long-Term Capability for Continuous Improvement 

One of the key advantages of CMaaS is that it helps organisations build long-term capability for managing change. Rather than relying on external consultants for every new initiative, CMaaS empowers your team to develop internal capabilities that will serve your organisation well into the future. 

This is particularly important in today’s landscape, where the ability to adapt quickly and embrace continuous improvement is critical for success. By training your leaders in change management, you’re not just addressing immediate transformation needs—you’re also laying the groundwork for a culture where change is embraced and driven from within. 

Research consistently shows that companies with strong internal change capabilities are more resilient, more innovative, and better able to navigate uncertain economic conditions. In fact, organisations with a culture of continuous improvement are better positioned to respond to market changes, customer demands, and competitive pressures, without the need for constant external support. 

Staying Nimble in a Tough Economic Climate 

In a time where economic uncertainty is driving companies to reassess their budgets, CMaaS provides a flexible, cost-effective solution. With many organisations facing tighter constraints on spending, hiring a full-time external change manager may not always be feasible. CMaaS allows you to access the expertise you need without the long-term financial commitment of a dedicated consultant. 

By empowering your internal teams to take on change management responsibilities, you can remain nimble in a challenging economic environment. Whether you’re responding to a new regulatory requirement, implementing a technology upgrade, or adjusting to shifts in the market, CMaaS ensures that your organisation is always prepared to manage change—without overstretching your budget. 

The Hybrid Approach: Combining External Expertise with Internal Capability 

At Lagom, we believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to change management. That’s why we offer both traditional change management services and CMaaS, giving organisations the flexibility to choose the approach that best fits their needs. 

In many cases, the hybrid approach—combining external consultants with internal upskilling—can provide the perfect balance. You can bring in an external change manager to lead the more complex aspects of your project, while also building your internal team’s capabilities through CMaaS. This ensures that you have the right expertise in place for critical moments, while also developing the skills needed for future initiatives. 

Conclusion: The Right Approach for Your Organisation 

Effective change management is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for organisations that want to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing world. Whether you’re embarking on a major transformation or simply looking to foster a culture of continuous improvement, having the right change management approach is key to success. 

With Lagom’s Change Management as a Service, you get the flexibility, scalability, and long-term value that today’s organisations need. Whether you choose to upskill your leaders through CMaaS or bring in an external change manager for a more hands-on approach, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of change with confidence.