Change Operating Model

the obsession with linear change models

Are steps & acronyms helping? Or hurting?

For decades, change management has insisted that applying a structured methodology leads to better adoption. But the industry still anchors its case on a 70% failure rate cited in a McKinsey white paper from the Reagan era. When the evidence of failure remains constant, it’s fair to question whether the proposed fix is addressing the real issue.

The evolution needed

A Change Operating Model is the structural backbone that allows organizations to manage transformation at scale without exhausting their workforce.

Unlock change potential

A change operating model is the enterprise blueprint that outlines how an organization manages transformation at scale by building the infrastructure required to support today’s velocity. It clarifies roles, governance, tools, and performance measures so multiple initiatives can drive adoption without overwhelming the workforce or duplicating effort.

The COM is not just about structure, the boxes and lines of a traditional org chart; it encompasses a broader set of elements that work together as a system to build efficiency.

Performance is improved by integrating decision rights, standardized processes, scalable capacity, and data-driven adoption metrics. The COM reduces friction, lowers marginal cost per initiative, and accelerates time-to-value.

The result is not just better organization—it is stronger, more predictable performance.

Measurable Outcomes

Alignment - resources, activities, and accountabilities are aligned to strategy.

Delivery excellence - accelerated workflows, tech-enabled, & frictionless to provide a consistent experience.

Adaptability - a change-ready workforce that’s equipped to rapidly adopt new behaviors and perform through uncertainty.

Improved financial performance - Employee adoption leads to greater value-realization and long-term success.

Plan

Build

During Plan, Adoptlab works with executive stakeholders to design the structural backbone: governance standards, decision rights, capacity model, success metrics, and integration with transformation portfolios. This phase ensures the model reflects business reality rather than theory.

Build

In Build, infrastructure is created. The change methodology is standardized, leader roles are defined, knowledge is disseminated, portfolio-level governance is instituted, and change capacity is aligned to priority initiatives. The COM becomes tangible and repeatable.

Run

Build

Run

In Run, Adoptlab operates alongside the organization, flexing managed change resources across programs. Lessons aren’t just captured; they are implemented. Change maturity increases, and the COM evolves based on live performance data and stakeholder feedback.

the future is a change operating model

the obsession with linear change models

Are steps & acronyms helping? Or hurting?

The evolution needed

Download your free white paper on the change operating model

Unlock change potential

Measurable Outcomes

The AdoptLab advantage

From fractured activities to strategic capability

Plan

Build

Build

Build

Build

Build

Run

Build

Run

Working with Adoptlab to build & manage our change operating model has given us renewed confidence in achieving our Vision 2028 goals.

The bottom line...

the future is a change operating model

the obsession with linear change models

Are steps & acronyms helping? Or hurting?

The evolution needed

Download your free white paper on the change operating model

Unlock change potential

Measurable Outcomes

The AdoptLab advantage

From fractured activities to strategic capability

Plan

Build

Build

Build

Build

Build

Run

Build

Run

Working with Adoptlab to build & manage our change operating model has given us renewed confidence in achieving our Vision 2028 goals.

The bottom line...

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