Change is a fact of life, especially in today’s fast-paced work environment. But how we handle that change? Well, that’s where things get interesting. I recently had an enlightening chat with Tara Birch, a culture change consultant who knows a thing or two about guiding organizations through big transitions. Tara’s got a unique perspective on making change work—what she calls the “Change Together Cycle.”
Let’s dive into what makes Tara’s approach so special and why it might just be the key to unlocking a future-ready workplace.
Tara’s Journey: Finding Her Path
To understand Tara’s Change Together Cycle, you’ve got to know a bit about her story. Tara’s path hasn’t been the smoothest; she’s made some gutsy moves. After spending years in corporate roles focused on culture, engagement, and well-being, she decided to go out on her own. Was it easy? Not at all. She had plenty of doubts about taking the leap, just like many of us would. But she felt this strong pull toward something more—helping organizations connect better with their people and thrive through change.
When her role was labeled “non-essential” in her corporate job, Tara saw it as an opportunity to pivot. She decided to focus on what she truly loves—helping organizations navigate change in a way that feels real, inclusive, and impactful. Her journey is a perfect example of what she now preaches: change can be an adventure if you approach it with the right mindset.
What’s the Change Together Cycle?
So, what exactly is the “Change Together Cycle”? In short, it’s a way to handle change that’s more about people and less about processes. Tara is all about the idea that change isn’t something you do once and forget—it’s a constant, ongoing journey. This cycle is about staying flexible, getting everyone involved, and making sure you’re always learning and adapting.
Here’s what makes Tara’s approach stand out:
1. Make Employees Part of the Process
One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is deciding on changes from the top without involving the people who actually live with those changes every day. No wonder there’s so much resistance! Tara flips that script by making employees a key part of the change process from the very start. It’s not about handing down a new policy and hoping everyone gets on board. It’s about getting everyone involved, hearing their ideas, and letting them take ownership. When people feel like they’re a part of the change, they’re much more likely to support it.
2. Build Strong Communities Inside Your Organization
Tara is a huge believer in the power of community. She talked about how she once built a “Culture Ambassador Network” with 500 volunteers across the globe. They all came together to lead cultural initiatives and support each other, which made a big difference in how people felt about their work and their workplace.
She’s also a fan of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)—those are groups within a company that bring together people with shared interests or backgrounds. But Tara doesn’t see ERGs as just something to check off a list. She’s created a framework that helps these groups truly collaborate and drive real, meaningful change. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels included and can learn from each other, building a stronger and more connected organization.
3. Stay Flexible and Keep Learning
A lot of change strategies are stuck in the past, working on fixed timelines and rigid plans. Tara’s Change Together Cycle is different. It’s flexible, fluid, and all about learning as you go. She encourages leaders to get regular feedback, try out new ideas, and be ready to pivot when things don’t go as planned.
For Tara, change isn’t about sticking to a plan no matter what. It’s about being open to new information and adjusting as needed. This makes change feel a lot less scary and more like a shared journey where everyone is learning together.
Tackling the Fear of Change
Let’s be real: change is scary, especially for leaders who feel like they’re supposed to have all the answers. Tara gets that. She’s seen firsthand how fear can stop change in its tracks. That’s why she puts so much emphasis on open conversations and creating safe spaces where people—especially leaders—can talk about their fears and concerns.
Tara shared this great story about a senior leader who admitted to her how terrified he was of shaking things up. But after a candid chat with Tara, he realized that by embracing change and trusting his people, he could open the door to some amazing new possibilities. It’s all about creating a culture where it’s okay to be vulnerable and honest, which can make all the difference.
Tara’s Thoughts on Hybrid Work
Hybrid work—where employees split their time between the office and home—is one of the biggest changes many of us are grappling with right now. Tara sees this shift as a massive opportunity to rethink what work can look like.
She’s all about giving employees more freedom to decide where and how they work best. Instead of forcing everyone back into the office or making strict rules, Tara encourages organizations to stay flexible. She advises leaders to keep an open line of communication, gather feedback, and be ready to make adjustments based on what actually works for their people.
And here’s where tech comes in. Tools that make it easier to collaborate and communicate, no matter where you are, are crucial. This is where Kadence, the platform I’m a part of, can really make a difference.
How Kadence Can Help Hybrid Teams Thrive
Speaking of tools, let’s talk about Kadence. We know that making hybrid work actually work takes more than just flexibility—it takes the right strategy and the right tools. Kadence helps with all of that.
With Kadence, teams can easily schedule their time, book office spaces, and coordinate their workdays, whether they’re in the office or working from home. It’s all about giving people the flexibility and visibility they need to work effectively, no matter where they are. And beyond just managing logistics, Kadence helps keep that sense of connection and community strong, which is so important when people are working in different places.
Final Thoughts: Making Change Work for You
Change doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. With the right mindset, a bit of flexibility, and the right tools, it can actually be an exciting opportunity to learn and grow. Tara’s Change Together Cycle is a great reminder that change is all about people—about listening to them, involving them, and making sure they feel valued every step of the way.
As we look ahead to the future of work, tools like Kadence can help make these transitions smoother and more sustainable. By fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration, we can turn change from something to be feared into something to be embraced.
Ready to learn more about how Kadence can support your hybrid team? Check us out at Kadence. Let’s make change work for everyone!
