Across industries, today’s pace of change is relentless. Changing public landscape, evolving client demands, and rapidly advancing technology mean that for most organizations, things just keep accelerating. The question is no longer whether change is coming, it’s how to get people ready for it.
At Mariner, we believe that building capacity to navigate change is one of the most valuable investments an organization can make. Here’s how we think about it, and how we help.
What Is Change Capability Building?
Change capability building is about layering base knowledge, applied skills, and reinforcement to help organizations become more agile and resilient in the face of constant change.
We are all familiar with the simple but powerful concept: I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. I reflect and I learn.
What this means to us is that real capability doesn’t come from a single training. It’s developed over time through learning, reflection, guidance, experience, and reinforcement.
Our Change Philosophy
Leading and supporting people through change is shared work and requires an approach to organizational change management that’s simple, practical and sustainable.
These five principles describe the grounding philosophy we bring to everything we do:
Why Change Readiness Matters
So, What Does “Ready” for Change Really Mean?
Important initiatives often fail or waste critical resources not because the ideas are bad, but because people on the front lines aren’t ready and enabled to adopt the change.
Our job as change leaders is to evaluate people readiness related risks early on, and work to intentionally build readiness throughout all phases of the project.
Our Change Readiness Framework
We coach our clients to focus on three key elements of people readiness:
- Do people Understand what’s changing, why, and what’s expected of them?
- Are they Willing to accept the change and do their part?
- Are they Able to succeed? (do they have the time, skills and resources required?)
This human-centered readiness lens is used to assess and build readiness throughout the core phases of any project or change initiative:
- Plan & Align
- Build Readiness
- Adopt & Sustain
How We Can Help Build Change Capability
Project Change Management (Project focus)
When organizations are navigating a specific initiative, such as restructuring, new technology implementation, new policies and procedures roll out, or other transformation, Mariner change consultants work with project teams as a temporary dedicated team member.
In a project placement, our change management consultants join the project team to provide strategy and develop and execute change plans to help clear the path to adoption, benefits realization and long-term sustainment.
Capability Building Engagements (Team/Org focus)
Teams and organizations wanting to build up their internal change leadership capabilities can work with Mariner by engaging over a period of time in a skills-building program with three core components:
Training to Establish Base Knowledge
Tailored workshops on change management fundamentals, such as: Change Readiness Essentials, Change Communications, and Leading Lasting Change (Sustainment & Reinforcement)
Coaching/Advisory Support to Develop Applied Skills
Follow-up coaching and advisory sessions held 1:1 or in small groups, to help guide and support application of concepts in real projects and change-related challenges.
Thought Partnership with Leaders to Support and Reinforce Learning Outcomes
Regular discussion and planning sessions with relevant leaders to align on team vision, support learning, and reinforce progress made long-term.
QEP™ Change Training Courses (Open enrollment)
As an ACMP Qualified Education Provider, Mariner offers public change management training aligned with the Association of Change Management Professionals® Standard for Change Management.
- Fundamentals of Change Management: A 3-day virtual instructor-led course providing 21 Professional Development Units (PDUs) toward the Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™) designation. Covers the foundational concepts and processes of change management.
- Accelerating Change Through Leadership: A 1-day virtual instructor-led course (6.5 PDUs) designed for sponsors and leaders who want to understand how to support a change strategy and drive value throughout a transformation.
Courses are offered at least once per quarter. For more information, please visit our website.
The Bottom Line
No two organizations have the same needs or realities when it comes to navigating change. Our work is focused in understanding where an organization or team is at, what they’re trying to achieve, and what kind of support or partnership will help them meet their goals with the resources available.
Whether you’re focused on a specific initiative, looking to strengthen your team’s change leadership skills, or seeking certification as a change practitioner, Mariner is a guide in navigating change and building the capabilities to lead others through stormy seas.
Interested in learning more? Contact us to explore how we can support your organization’s change journey.
Prepared By:
Katie Burke, Change Management Consultant
Further Reading
Change capability building doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it’s driven by the relentless pace of transformation happening across industries and sectors. For a closer look at what’s accelerating that change right now, especially in healthcare, check out The Pace of Change Accelerated in 2025: What’s Driving Canada’s Healthcare Transformation.