Insight       12 April 2025

Dynamic Change Models

Have you noticed how we’re collectively moving away from rigid change frameworks? Many of us are discovering the power of dynamic models that evolve as we implement them. This isn’t just another passing trend; it’s us rethinking how to drive successful change in an environment of greater complexity and uncertainty. 

What We’ve Learned About Static Models 

Most of us have experienced it: those carefully crafted Theories of Change that become outdated almost immediately after approval. Our organisations are too complex for neat, linear transformation paths. We all know what happens when we cling to initial plans despite contrary evidence: we waste resources while missing emerging opportunities. 

What We’ve Learned About Static Models 

Most of us have experienced it: those carefully crafted Theories of Change that become outdated almost immediately after approval. Our organisations are too complex for neat, linear transformation paths. We all know what happens when we cling to initial plans despite contrary evidence: we waste resources while missing emerging opportunities. 

What We’re Creating Instead 

I'd like to share how we recently approached this in a service model transformation. We started by mapping our initial Theory of Change in a workshop where everyone contributed, from senior leaders to client-facing team members. However, the magic happened when we implemented our “learning sprint” model: 

  • Regular testing of our shared assumptions using real implementation data
  • Learning cycles where we reflect and adapt as teams
  • Multiple pathways we can explore toward our desired outcomes
  • Feedback mechanisms where all stakeholders help inform ongoing refinement

What We’re Creating Instead 

I'd like to share how we recently approached this in a service model transformation. We started by mapping our initial Theory of Change in a workshop where everyone contributed, from senior leaders to client-facing team members. However, the magic happened when we implemented our “learning sprint” model:
  • Regular testing of our shared assumptions using real implementation data
  • Learning cycles where we reflect and adapt as teams
  • Multiple pathways we can explore toward our desired outcomes
  • Feedback mechanisms where all stakeholders help inform ongoing refinement

A Collaborative Approach That Works 

Together, we’re reimagining Theory of Change as a living framework rather than a fixed roadmap. The dynamic models we’re building incorporate: 

  • Every two weeks, we gathered to review what we were learning
  • We used a digital board where anyone could flag when assumptions weren’t holding up
  • We celebrated “productive failures”, when someone identified an approach that wasn’t working
  • Every quarter, we collectively updated our Theory of Change visualisation, tracking how our understanding evolved 
This approach transformed our implementation. When we discovered client engagement worked differently across communities, we didn’t stubbornly push our original approach. Instead, we co-created tailored pathways that honored these differences while working toward shared outcomes. 

A Collaborative Approach That Works 

Together, we’re reimagining Theory of Change as a living framework rather than a fixed roadmap. The dynamic models we’re building incorporate:
  • Every two weeks, we gathered to review what we were learning
  • We used a digital board where anyone could flag when assumptions weren’t holding up
  • We celebrated “productive failures”, when someone identified an approach that wasn’t working
  • Every quarter, we collectively updated our Theory of Change visualisation, tracking how our understanding evolved 
This approach transformed our implementation. When we discovered client engagement worked differently across communities, we didn’t stubbornly push our original approach. Instead, we co-created tailored pathways that honored these differences while working toward shared outcomes. 

How We Can Lead This Change 

For those of us guiding significant change efforts, let’s build our change models to evolve together. This means establishing intentional learning mechanisms, creating spaces where everyone feels safe providing honest feedback, and measuring our success by outcomes achieved rather than adherence to initial plans. 
We’re discovering that our ability to adapt in complex environments isn’t just a backup plan; it’s our primary strategy. By using dynamic change models, we’re transforming how our organisations learn and evolve.

How We Can Lead This Change 

For those of us guiding significant change efforts, let’s build our change models to evolve together. This means establishing intentional learning mechanisms, creating spaces where everyone feels safe providing honest feedback, and measuring our success by outcomes achieved rather than adherence to initial plans. 
We’re discovering that our ability to adapt in complex environments isn’t just a backup plan; it’s our primary strategy. By using dynamic change models, we’re transforming how our organisations learn and evolve.

Further Reading