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Dr. Vanessa Akhtar

Complete your learning journey with the fourth and last course from Kotter, designed to provide the first steps into an understanding of the Science of Change. Explore Kotter’s effective strategies and tactics for leading complex change. Learn how you can apply Kotter’s 8 Accelerators to dramatically increase your chances of success as you lead change.

Course Description:

Build on your understanding by learning how to apply the key success factors behind each of the 8 Accelerators to your own work, including the importance of articulating a Big Opportunity and:

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Complete your learning journey with the fourth and last course from Kotter, designed to provide the first steps into an understanding of the Science of Change. Explore Kotter’s effective strategies and tactics for leading complex change. Learn how you can apply Kotter’s 8 Accelerators to dramatically increase your chances of success as you lead change.

Course Description:

Build on your understanding by learning how to apply the key success factors behind each of the 8 Accelerators to your own work, including the importance of articulating a Big Opportunity and:

5. Enabling Action by Removing Barriers

6. Generating Short-Term Wins

7. Sustaining Acceleration

8. Instituting Change

Join Kotter and take the first steps along your learning journey into the Science of Change, beginning with our understanding of human nature and our response to threats and opportunities and the limitations of traditional organizational structures.

Based on 50 years of empirical research into the Science of Change and our latest insights from our firm’s consulting work, Kotter is making change leadership more accessible than ever before with four new courses introducing learners to our methodologies and tools for successful organizational transformations.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Change Accelerators 5 + 6
Delve into the fifth and sixth accelerators of Kotter’s change framework. This module focuses on understanding and implementing "Enabling Action by Removing Barriers" and "Generating Short-Term Wins." Learn how to identify and dismantle obstacles that impede progress and create momentum through achievable milestones, which are essential for maintaining motivation and engagement during change initiatives.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces Kotter’s methodologies and frameworks for achieving successful organizational transformations
Taught by Dr. Vanessa Akhtar who is an expert in the Science of Change and consulting
Provides practical strategies and tactics for leading complex change
Designed for those seeking to understand and apply the Science of Change in their work
Suitable for learners aiming to enhance their change leadership skills
May require participants to bring in some prior knowledge of change management principles

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Reviews summary

Kotter's change: accelerators 5-8 overview

According to students, this course provides a highly insightful and well-structured exploration of Kotter's Change Accelerators 5-8, proving particularly valuable for leaders aiming to implement and sustain organizational change. Learners found the content on 'Enabling Action' and 'Instituting Change' especially helpful, offering clear steps and relevant examples. While largely seen as a solid theoretical grounding, a few reviews noted a desire for more in-depth practical tools or case studies beyond the conceptual framework, suggesting it may be less suitable for those seeking extensive 'how-to' guides or learners already deeply familiar with change management.
Ideal for those new to Kotter's model, foundational learning.
"There wasn't much new for me personally, having studied change management previously. It might be better for those completely new to Kotter's model."
"Not worth the time if you're looking for hands-on 'how-to'."
"It's a great theoretical grounding, but I needed more practical application."
Content is well-structured and easy to follow.
"The content is well-structured and easy to follow."
"The explanations were clear and the examples relevant."
"The course is concise, which is good for busy professionals."
Delivers actionable insights for real-world change.
"This course was incredibly insightful, especially the practical advice on 'Enabling Action by Removing Barriers'."
"The module on 'Instituting Change' was particularly valuable, providing clear steps to ensure new practices stick."
"This course (Accelerators 5-8) truly helped me understand how to embed change effectively."
"I feel much more confident in leading change initiatives now. Highly recommend for any leader."
Provides good overview but some desire more hands-on detail.
"Some parts felt a bit high-level, I would have liked more deep dives into specific implementation strategies beyond the theoretical framework."
"Expected more practical guidance. It's mostly conceptual and doesn't offer enough actionable steps for complex real-world scenarios."
"I agree with others that some practical tools or case studies would elevate it further."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Kotter's Change Framework: Accelerators 5-8 with these activities:
Volunteer with a Non-Profit Organization
Volunteering with a non-profit organization can provide you with an opportunity to apply the 8 Accelerators in a real-world setting and make a positive impact on your community.
Show steps
  • Identify non-profit organizations that are working on issues that you are passionate about.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities and apply the 8 Accelerators to your work.
Read Kotter’s Leading Change
Kotter’s seminal work on change management provides a comprehensive overview of the 8 Accelerators and how to apply them in practice.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of Leading Change.
  • Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Identify the chapters or sections that are most relevant to your work.
Explore Kotter’s Online Resources
Kotter International provides a wealth of online resources, including articles, videos, and case studies that can help you deepen your understanding of the 8 Accelerators.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Visit the Kotter International website and explore the resources available.
  • Choose a resource that is relevant to your interests or needs.
  • Review the resource and take notes on the key insights.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Kotter Discussion Group
Engaging in discussions with peers can help you develop a deeper understanding of the 8 Accelerators and share experiences with others who are also leading change.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Search for Kotter discussion groups online or in your local area.
  • Join a group and participate in the discussions.
  • Share your insights and experiences with others.
Write a Blog Post or Article About Kotter’s 8 Accelerators
Writing a blog post or article about the 8 Accelerators can help you to deepen your understanding of the concepts and share your insights with others.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the 8 Accelerators.
  • Research the topic and gather information from credible sources.
  • Write a blog post or article that is informative, engaging, and well-written.
  • Publish your blog post or article on a platform that is relevant to your audience.
  • Promote your blog post or article and share it with others.
Practice Using Kotter’s 8 Accelerators
Regularly practicing using Kotter’s 8 Accelerators will help you internalize the concepts and develop the skills necessary to effectively lead change.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world change initiative that you are involved in or have knowledge of.
  • Apply the 8 Accelerators to the change initiative and identify specific actions that can be taken to implement each one.
  • Implement the actions and track the results.
  • Reflect on the experience and identify what worked well and what could be improved.
Develop a Change Management Plan
Creating a change management plan will help you to formalize your approach to leading change and ensure that you have a clear roadmap for success.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Identify the change that you want to lead.
  • Assess the current state of the organization and identify the challenges and opportunities.
  • Develop a strategy for leading the change, including a timeline and budget.
  • Identify the stakeholders who will be affected by the change and develop a communication plan.
  • Implement the change and monitor progress.
Participate in a Change Management Case Competition
Participating in a case competition can provide you with an opportunity to apply the 8 Accelerators in a real-world scenario and receive feedback from experts.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Identify change management case competitions that are relevant to your interests.
  • Form a team or work independently to develop a solution to the case.
  • Present your solution to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Kotter's Change Framework: Accelerators 5-8 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Kotter's Change Framework: Accelerators 5-8.
Presents a step-by-step framework for leading organizational change. Kotter argues that change process that must be carefully planned and executed, and he provides practical advice on how to overcome the challenges of change. This book classic in the field of organizational change and is essential reading for anyone involved in leading change.
Authored by the pioneers of Self-Determination Theory, this book offers a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of intrinsic motivation and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness). It's a crucial resource for graduate students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of this influential theory. It serves as a key reference for researchers in the field.
Specifically addressing challenging and high-stakes conversations, this book offers a structured approach to navigate difficult discussions, manage emotions, and achieve positive outcomes.
Offers a clear framework for understanding and building psychological safety within teams, progressing through four distinct stages. It's a practical guide for leaders and team members aiming to create an inclusive and innovative team environment.
This comprehensive handbook offers a collection of chapters by leading scholars covering a wide range of topics and theories in human motivation. It's an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers, and professionals seeking an in-depth overview of the field's current state and future directions. It serves as an excellent reference tool for advanced study.
A foundational text on psychological safety, this book explains its importance for team learning, innovation, and performance. It's essential reading for leaders and team members seeking to create an environment where speaking up and taking risks are encouraged.
This foundational book introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and their profound impact on motivation and achievement. It's essential for gaining a broad understanding of how beliefs about ability shape our willingness to learn and persevere. It is commonly used as a foundational text in educational and psychological settings.
A foundational text in management thought, Drucker outlines the practices that make an executive effective. classic that provides timeless principles on time management, prioritization, and decision-making, crucial for leaders at all levels.
This textbook provides an in-depth introduction to the factors influencing urban planning today, including political, economic, and environmental aspects. The 12th edition tackles recent issues like climate change, affordable housing, and public participation, making it highly relevant for understanding contemporary planning challenges. It is commonly used as a textbook in urban planning programs.
Developed by ex-McKinsey partners, this book presents a structured, seven-step approach to problem-solving used in top consulting firms. It emphasizes a highly visual, logic-tree method applicable to business and global challenges. is particularly relevant for undergraduate and graduate students interested in consulting or business, as well as working professionals seeking a robust framework for tackling complex issues. It valuable reference tool.
Fundamental resource for developing effective communication skills within teams, especially during challenging situations. It's valuable for all audiences, providing practical tools applicable to both personal and professional teamwork. The third edition includes updated examples relevant to today's workplace.
Sinek explores the concept of creating a 'Circle of Safety' where team members feel secure and supported. emphasizes the leader's role in fostering trust and cooperation, offering valuable insights into building strong, resilient teams.
Delves into how top strategy consultants approach and solve complex business problems. It provides a four-step process informed by consulting and cognitive psychology, highlighting how to avoid common biases that lead to poor decisions. This is an excellent resource for graduate students and working professionals, especially those in business, management, or consulting, offering practical insights and techniques used in the industry.
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This classic explores the concept of 'flow,' a state of deep immersion and enjoyment in an activity that is intrinsically motivating. It's essential for understanding the psychological experience of optimal motivation and provides insights into how to cultivate this state. It's a valuable read for anyone interested in peak performance and well-being.
Presents a new model for organizational design, based on the idea that organizations should be self-managed and self-organizing. Laloux argues that this new model is necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and he provides case studies of organizations that have successfully adopted this model.
Explores the challenges of leading change in large organizations. Hill argues that change is often difficult and messy, and she provides practical advice on how to overcome the challenges of change. This book is essential reading for anyone involved in leading change in large organizations.
The PMBOK Guide foundational reference for project management, outlining standard processes, methods, and practices. While focused on projects, its principles are highly applicable to various planning endeavors. This must-have reference for anyone involved in project-based planning and is widely recognized and used by professionals globally.
Delves into the core of what constitutes good and bad strategy, offering clear frameworks for analysis and formulation. It helps to deepen understanding of strategic planning principles, moving beyond buzzwords to practical application. It's a highly recommended read for anyone involved in strategic decision-making.
Written by a former speechwriter for President Obama, this book delves into the art of leadership communication, providing insights into crafting powerful messages, inspiring teams, and effectively managing stakeholder relationships.
Considered a classic in leadership literature, Bennis explores the qualities that define leaders and the process of becoming one. offers deep insights into self-discovery and personal development as integral to leadership.
This foundational book explores the two systems of thought that drive our decisions: the fast, intuitive system and the slower, more deliberate system. Understanding these systems is crucial for recognizing cognitive biases that can impede effective problem-solving. It provides a strong theoretical background for anyone looking to improve their decision-making and analytical skills, making it valuable for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals. While not a how-to guide, it offers deep insights into the human mind's approach to problems.
Focusing on communication, this book is crucial for understanding how to give and receive feedback effectively within a team. It's particularly relevant for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as working professionals, who need to navigate difficult conversations to improve team performance. The updated edition incorporates contemporary workplace dynamics.
Builds on Kotter's earlier work on leading organizational change and provides a practical guide for implementing change in organizations. Kotter and Cohen argue that change process that requires both leadership and management, and they provide tools and techniques for both leaders and managers to use to drive change.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of both verbal and nonverbal communication, offering practical tips and exercises to enhance communication abilities for both personal and professional settings.
Based on a true story from a US Navy submarine, this book presents a compelling case for a leader-leader model rather than a leader-follower model. It's highly practical and offers actionable strategies for empowering teams and fostering ownership.
Building on the concepts of emotional intelligence, this book focuses on how leaders can create resonance and drive performance through their emotional leadership. Provides practical insights and is suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding of the behavioral aspects of leadership.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to systems thinking, explaining how to perceive and understand the interconnectedness of elements within a system. This perspective is vital for identifying root causes of problems and developing effective, long-term solutions. It is valuable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals across various fields who need to analyze and address complex issues with multiple interacting factors.
This book, co-authored by Edward Deci, provides a more narrative and accessible exploration of the principles of self-motivation and how to apply them in various aspects of life. It's a good entry point for those new to Self-Determination Theory and looking for practical guidance on fostering motivation in themselves and others.
A seminal work that highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness. Understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others key component of successful leadership, making this book valuable for deepening one's understanding.
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Following up on 'Thinking, Fast and Slow,' this book examines the impact of 'noise' – unwanted variability in judgments – on decision-making in various fields. It provides insights into identifying and reducing noise to improve the quality of decisions and problem resolution. This contemporary and relevant book for graduate students and professionals, particularly those involved in complex decision-making processes or system design.
A classic in the field of mathematical problem-solving, Pólya's book outlines a four-step method: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. While focused on mathematics, its principles are widely applicable to problem-solving in any domain. is highly recommended for high school students and undergraduates, particularly those in STEM fields, and provides a solid framework for approaching unfamiliar problems.
Written by former Navy SEALs, this book translates military leadership principles to business and life. It emphasizes taking ownership of everything in your world, offering a tough yet practical approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Presents a clear and accessible framework of leadership principles. It's a popular guide for developing leadership skills and is often recommended for those seeking a structured approach to understanding the fundamentals of influence.
Based on a popular Stanford Graduate School of Business course, this book provides practical guidance on building strong interpersonal relationships, which are essential for effective teamwork. It's valuable for all audiences seeking to improve their relational skills within a team context.
Provides practical strategies for improving emotional intelligence, a critical component of effective teamwork. It's relevant for all audiences, helping individuals understand and manage their own emotions and navigate interpersonal relationships within a team.
Widely-used guide to strategic planning specifically tailored for public and nonprofit sectors. It provides a structured approach to developing and implementing strategic plans, essential for understanding planning in an organizational context. It is commonly used as a textbook in relevant academic programs and useful reference tool for professionals.
A seminal work in urban planning, this book critically examines post-war urban renewal policies and advocates for diverse, vibrant, and human-scaled cities. While focused on urban environments, its insights into community dynamics and the unintended consequences of planning are broadly relevant. This is considered a classic and provides essential historical context for urban planning discussions.
Details how government policies in the United States created and maintained racial segregation. It's essential reading for understanding the historical context of contemporary urban planning challenges related to equity and social justice. It highlights the long-lasting impacts of past planning decisions and the importance of considering social equity in current planning efforts.
Drawing on military experience, this book explores how large organizations can foster the adaptability and effectiveness of small teams. It's highly relevant for graduate students and working professionals dealing with complex, interconnected environments and provides insights into contemporary organizational structures and teamwork challenges.
While focused on persuasion, this book is highly relevant to understanding how external factors can influence behavior and motivation. It outlines key principles of influence that can be applied to motivate others ethically. It's a valuable resource for anyone in leadership, sales, or marketing roles. is widely recognized and frequently referenced.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management, covering strategy, planning, and operations. It's a core resource for understanding planning within a business and logistics context, essential for those interested in operations and supply chain planning. It is widely used as a textbook in business and supply chain programs.
Delves into the irrationality of human behavior and decision-making, which directly impacts motivation. It uses engaging experiments to illustrate how context and behavioral economics influence our choices, providing a practical understanding of why we don't always act in our own best interest. It's a good complement to traditional motivation theories.

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