What is it

A practical session that helps a team understand Lewin’s three stage model and apply it to a current or upcoming change.

Why is it useful

• It gives a simple structure for understanding how people move through change.
• It highlights the emotional journey, not just the tasks.
• It helps teams plan the right support at the right time.
• It prevents teams from slipping back into old habits.

Target Audience

Teams preparing for or navigating organisational change.

Objectives

• Understand the three stages of Lewin’s model.
• Identify what needs to be unfrozen in the current situation.
• Explore what support is required during the change stage.
• Agree actions that help refreeze new behaviours.

Materials Needed

• Sticky notes
• Markers
• Flip chart or digital board
• Timer
• Breakout spaces if remote

Process

1. Warm Up (10 minutes)

Goal
Help the team reflect on past change experiences.

Activity

• Ask participants to write one word that describes how change usually feels.
• Share in pairs, then with the whole group.

Debrief

• Ask: What patterns do you notice?
• Capture common themes.

2. Introduce Lewin’s Model (10 minutes)

Goal
Give a simple overview of the three stages.

Activity

• Walk through
  • Unfreeze
  • Change
  • Refreeze
• Give a short example for each.

Debrief

• Ask: Which stage do you think is hardest?
• Capture quick reactions.

3. Explore the Unfreeze Stage (20 minutes)

Goal
Identify what needs to shift in mindset and behaviour.

Activity

• Ask small groups to discuss
  • What is not working well enough now?
  • What habits or routines hold us back?
  • What facts or data show the need for change?
• Groups capture their key points on sticky notes and place them on a board.

Debrief

• Ask: What needs feel most urgent?
• Select the top three issues to address.

4. Explore the Change Stage (25 minutes)

Goal
Understand what people need while transitioning.

Activity

• Ask groups to discuss
  • What new behaviours are needed?
  • What support or training is required?
  • What might slow people down?
  • What early wins we can create?
• Groups record ideas on posters.

Debrief

• Ask: What support will help the most?
• Capture shared needs and barriers.

5. Explore the Refreeze Stage (20 minutes)

Goal
Plan how to embed and sustain new behaviours.

Activity

• Ask groups to discuss
  • What must become routine?
  • How we will reinforce new behaviours?
  • What risks could pull us back to old habits?
  • What recognition or structure will help?
• Capture outputs on a board.

Debrief

• Ask: What actions will make new behaviours stick?
• Identify two or three anchors the team must protect.

6. Build the Change Map (20 minutes)

Goal
Connect all insights into a simple plan.

Activity

• Draw three columns labelled Unfreeze, Change, Refreeze.
• Ask participants to place their best ideas into each stage.
• Work together to cluster and prioritise.

Debrief

• Ask: Does this map reflect what we need?
• Adjust until the team agrees on a clear path.

7. Personal Commitment (10 minutes)

Goal
Make the model actionable.

Activity

• Ask each person to choose one action they will take this week.
• Share commitments in a quick round.

Debrief

• Ask: What support do you need?
• Set a follow-up date to review progress.

Secret Sauce

• Keep the conversation grounded in real examples, not theory.
• Help the team see that Unfreeze is about honesty, not blame.
• Slow the pace during the Change stage because people need support.
• Reinforce that Refreeze prevents old habits from returning.
• Use visible boards so the journey is easy to follow.
• Encourage small, practical steps rather than sweeping plans.