Change Management in Operational Leadership
Overview
Change doesn’t fail because the plan is bad - it fails because the change isn’t led well at the operational level.
The Change Management in Operational Leadership course is designed to help operational leaders confidently implement and sustain change in real-world environments where staff are busy, resources are limited, and service quality must be protected. You will learn how to identify root causes (not just symptoms), differentiate types of change, and analyze how change impacts people, processes, and outcomes.
Through applied scenarios and structured planning tools, you will build a practical change management plan that includes communication, training, support strategies, and risk mitigation. You will also learn how to recognize emotional responses to change, reduce resistance, and maintain staff commitment while preventing burnout during transition.
By the end of the course, you will have a repeatable framework to lead change with clarity, empathy, and accountability — ensuring new practices actually stick.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for operational leaders, supervisors, and managers responsible for implementing new systems, policies, workflows, or cultural changes.
This course is suitable for:
- Operational leaders and supervisors
- Team leads and managers
- Leaders responsible for staff adoption and rollout success
- Professionals supporting teams through high-change environments
What you'll learn
- Distinguish root causes from presenting problems and choose the right change effort
- Build a step-by-step change management plan (communication, training, implementation, monitoring, sustainment)
- Analyze impact and risk across people, workflows, compliance, and service delivery
- Apply change frameworks (Kotter, Lewin, ADKAR, Change Curve) to real operational scenarios
- Respond to resistance and emotional stress using practical leadership strategies
Course information
Spring 2026
| Change Management in Operational Leadership | Monday, March 15 to Friday, April 9, 2027 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
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Online
This micro-credential course will be delivered fully online. Courses include a 1-hour Zoom session on a scheduled date and time. Learners must complete the course independently, within the given timeframe.
*Please note the Financial Literacy in Operational Leadership course does not include a 1-hour Zoom session.
Facilitator support
This offering is supported by a facilitator who is available to answer learner inquiries and provide feedback on assessments. Learners will have two chances to successfully complete each assessment by the specified deadline(s), after receiving feedback from the facilitator.
Spring 2026
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $499 CAD + HST |
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Discounts
The Alumni/Staff Discount applies to registration in this program/course.
If you are alumni or staff, contact continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca with your Student/Banner ID before registering for details about how to apply this discount.
Registration
You can register for this course through the secure online registration form. All course fees must be paid at the time of registration.
Online delivery
This offering may include, but is not limited to:
- Content presentations and/or videos;
- Case discussions;
- Individual work (assignments/quizzes);
- Concept and topic discussions;
- Topic reflections;
- Scheduled Zoom sessions.
This is an open enrolment offering.
Those completing Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning open enrolment offerings (e.g. certificate programs, courses, workshops, microcertifications, etc.) are subject to the policies of Ontario Tech University and Continuous Learning. Ontario Tech policies can be found in the Policy library. Continuous Learning policies can be found in the Regulations section of the Continuous Learning website. Specifically, those completing open enrolment offerings are expected to adhere to the General and Open enrolment regulations.
Requirements
While open to all, this offering is designed for professionals transitioning into or currently working in operational leadership roles within the developmental services sector. Courses are specifically tailored to address the practical leadership, operational, and people-management skills required to effectively lead teams, navigate complex service environments, and support high-quality outcomes for individuals receiving services.
To successfully complete the course, you must:
- Register and make full payment for the course; and
- Successfully complete all components of the course by the specified due date(s).
Learners will receive a digital badge for individual course completion.
Please note: While late registration is available, learners must complete the course by the listed course end date, regardless of the date they registered.
Technology requirements
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access
- Stable internet or data connection
- Microphone*
- Webcam*
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)
*Optional
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required.
OSAP for Micro-credentials is available for eligible students taking a ministry-approved micro-credential that is less than 12 weeks. To be eligible for OSAP for Micro-credentials, a student must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person; and, be a resident of Ontario. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for OSAP for Micro-credentials is available here.
For more information please visit the OSAP website at www.ontario.ca/OSAP.