Change management consulting has evolved from a peripheral support function to a critical strategic capability that determines the success or failure of organizations. After all, these days, the corporate world is constantly undergoing transformations: Digital transformation, workforce evolution, and market disruptions are more common than ever before. So, where does that leave you as a change consultant?
So being a change management consultant entails much more than paying a visit to companies and telling them about the newest seven innovative tools or ideas they need to implement. There’s simply too much going on.
More than ever, as a change consultant, you must base your efforts on research: before, during, and after projects. This article will discuss some tools that can help:
Tools are a means to an end. So let’s think about them in relation to your typical change project chronology, and see what purposes they should serve.
Most change management projects follow a fairly consistent flow, with generally 5 stages:
Before I get into presenting the tools, here’s a key consideration behind the change management toolkit I’m suggesting – one that I advise you to make too when you continue your search for new tools after reading this article: Look beyond quantitative research tools
Unlike, for instance, strategy or financial consultants, who primarily focus on market data and competitive analysis (a.k.a numbers!), change management consultants require tools that capture things like human sentiment, organizational culture, and stakeholder perceptions.
So the most successful change management projects are grounded in comprehensive research: the merging of quantitative data about organizational performance with qualitative insights about employee attitudes, cultural dynamics, and change readiness.
No matter how highly I might speak of various tools, whether it’s in fact useful for you and your activities as a change management consultant will depend on a number of factors.
For each tool that follows I’m going to end with an overview of five factors that you should take into account for deciding to give the tool a try or not:
Surveys are the bread and butter of diagnostics. Unfortunately too many of them still end up as spreadsheets no one reads.
Pointerpro flips this script. It’s an assessment platform purpose-built for consultants who want to turn answers into action. What sets Pointerpro apart is that it doesn’t just collect responses.
First of all, Pointerpro allows you to implement assessment scoring. That allows you to turn qualitative research information into quantitative data. And it does so, based on your own scoring framework.
What does that mean? Basically, you come up with the list of questions you want to ask people in your survey and then you attribute various scores to the different response options. You can also give certain questions more weight than others, group question scores to create subscores or apply even more complex formulas, if your model requires it.
The video below gives you a quick and easy explanation about scoring.
The real game-changer is that thanks to scoring, you get Pointerpro to auto-generate ultra-tailored feedback in PDF reports, using its Report Builder. It’s a simple rule-based system.
Examples:
- If the respondent scores higher than 10 on question group 1, page 3 of the report will show X (specific texts, visuals, charts, resources… whatever you want). If they score lower than 10, page 3 of the report will show something else.
- If the respondent’s cumulative score for question groups 1 and 2 is higher than 20, the first paragraph on page 2 of the report will show Y.
- If the respondent scores lower than 10 on question group 1, and higher than 14 on question group 2, then page 4 will show Z.
And so on. You catch my drift. You can make this as complex as you need.
You can generate reports for each individual respondent, which they get to download right after completion, if you wish so. Also, you can create aggregate reports that combine data from numerous respondents of a single survey.
All of this gives you an incredible edge in the diagnostic phase. Why? Because you’re not only collecting qualitative data and turning it into quantitative data, you’re already simultaneously building up engagement and awareness thanks to the tailored reports.
And you only have to put in the work once. As soon as your questionnaire and your report templates are in place, you just let Pointerpro’s assessment engine do the work.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Turn qualitative research into quantitative insights – and instantly deliver tailored feedback |
Covers data + feedback in one tool → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
Diagnose change readiness, leadership alignment, culture fit… while boosting engagement with personalized reports |
Works great for deep diagnostics → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Initial setup takes some thinking (scoring logic, templates), but it’s a one-time lift |
Setup effort upfront → –1 |
|
Standout feature |
Rule-based automated reporting, triggered by scoring logic you control |
Personalized reports at scale → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Requires a clear idea of what you want to measure and how to interpret it |
Not a plug-and-play tool for vague goals → –1 |
Surveys capture what people think they do. But that isn’t always one hundred percent the same as what they actually do. Therefore it can be a real eye-opener, for you as a change consultant, but also for themselves and the company leaders they work for to get a reality check on the latter.
Innovisor is a passive ONA (Organizational Network Analysis) tool that taps into collaboration metadata across tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zoom. It doesn’t access content, but behavioral data:
- Who’s meeting with whom?
- How often?
- For how long?
- Are some teams overloaded with meetings while others barely connect?
What makes Innovisor powerful for diagnostics is that it quietly reveals an organization’s real communication flows and work patterns, before anyone realizes there’s a PowerPoint coming their way.
That means you don’t just understand the org chart. You discover the “shadow org”: What goes on underneath the hood of the car. Who truly works with whom? Not just on a branch level, but also individually.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Reveal how work and communication flow in real-time |
Fits most change projects → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
Diagnose overload, silos, or lack of collaboration |
Highly relevant in hybrid/remote orgs → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Requires IT integration and some privacy/legal alignment |
Setup might need effort → –1 |
|
Standout feature |
Zero-survey, passive org network insights |
Exactly what you need for hidden dynamics → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Might raise concerns around employee monitoring or data privacy |
Could create resistance → –1 |
You’ve probably heard of Miro. It’s basically a digital whiteboard. But as a change management consultant tool, Miro should be looked at as a research-backed co-creation lab.
As you design change initiatives, Miro allows you to continuously bring in fresh data and insights (from any ongoing diagnostic surveys, discussions with stakeholders, live workshops etc.).
Think of it as a living research canvas: you can update journey maps, adjust personas, or evolve prototypes as new information comes in.
This way, design isn’t a static blueprint but a dynamic, research-informed process that evolves with your stakeholders.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Enable visual, collaborative design and alignment |
Works for co-creation → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
Designing new processes, change roadmaps, or communication strategies with diverse groups |
Fits design workshops → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Easy to adopt, but requires prep to guide sessions well |
Preparation needed → –1 |
|
Standout feature |
Flexible templates and real-time co-editing |
Perfect for large groups → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Can become chaotic without a skilled facilitator |
Potential for mess → –1 |
Actually, Condens is a diagnostic and design stage tool at once.
Here’s how it goes. Depending on your customer and the approach you’re having with them in the diagnostic stage, not all your qualitative research data may come from a Pointerpro survey that inherently helps you structure and score your data.
In some cases a lot of raw information may come in via interviews you record, random observations you note down, and spur-of-the-moment feedback from stakeholders. That’s still research.
And Condens steps in to design your change consultancy journey. This tool is built specifically to help you organize, tag, and analyze qualitative data. Here’s how it basically works:
- You upload your raw research data: Whether it’s interview recordings, transcripts, notes from observations, survey open-ends, or even video clips – you dump it all into Condens.
- You then tag and code your data: You highlight important bits, tag themes, and assign codes right inside the platform. Think of it as labeling puzzle pieces before you start putting the picture together.
- You synthesize insights: Condens then helps you cluster related tags and themes, spotting patterns and connections that may not be obvious at first glance. You can create summaries, quotes, and visual maps to represent your findings.
- You let stakeholders in: Everyone in your consultancy or on the side of your customer can add comments, suggest new tags, and build on each other’s insights.
- You use your findings in a whiteboard to map out an evidence-based user journey for all the involved personas who’ll be undergoing the change
Condens helps you turn your design phase to be more than just brainstorming but a smart, research-driven process.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Turn raw qualitative data into clear, actionable insights |
Essential for solid evidence base → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
During diagnostic and design phases to guide recommendations |
Perfect for early phases → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Moderate effort: requires tagging and active analysis |
Some manual work → 0 |
|
Standout feature |
Deep synthesis capability, enables mapping real user journeys |
Helps uncover patterns → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Learning curve for coding/tagging if new to qualitative research |
May slow beginners down → –1 |
Mentimeter is like that friend who knows how to get even the most introverted people at the party to open up. And sometimes these more introverted people happen to be the ones that you need to champion the change in a company.
Therefore it’s good to check in with them regularly as soon as your change plan is ready. With Mentimeter, you can run quick, anonymous polls and live Q&A sessions to capture honest gut reactions, emotional readiness, and possible hidden worries.
It turns abstract “yes, we support the change” statements into concrete data points. You capture what people actually feel, not just what they think you want to hear. This helps you continuously validate your approach and adjust before resistance spreads, moving into the execution phase.
When integrated during any online or offline sessions, Mentimeter turns engagement into an ongoing research process rather than a one-off presentation moment. And that makes your champions feel truly heard – which is half the battle won.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Create real-time, inclusive engagement |
Perfect for emotional buy-in → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
Town halls, leadership Q&As, culture kick-offs |
Great for mass sentiment → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Very easy to set up and use |
Low effort → +1 |
|
Standout feature |
Live interactive visuals that energize the room |
Instant energy booster → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Less effective for deep-dive feedback |
Not for nuance → –1 |
Wow customers with automated, scored reports
Here’s a quick introduction on how Pointerpro works, brought to you by one of our product experts, Chris.
“We use Pointerpro for all types of surveys and assessments across our global business, and employees love its ease of use and flexible reporting.”
Director at Alere
“I give the new report builder 5 stars for its easy of use. Anyone without coding experience can start creating automated personalized reports quickly.”
CFO & COO at Egg Science
“You guys have done a great job making this as easy to use as possible and still robust in functionality.”
Account Director at Reed Talent Solutions
“It’s a great advantage to have formulas and the possibility for a really thorough analysis. There are hundreds of formulas, but the customer only sees the easy-to-read report. If you’re looking for something like that, it’s really nice to work with Pointerpro.”
Country Manager Netherlands at Better Minds at Work
When you’re deploying a change, you need to know how people are experiencing it.
Officevibe lets you pulse-check employees weekly (or bi-weekly), gathering quick feedback on morale, workload, and perceived progress.
But here’s where it really ties into research: Officevibe doesn’t just spit out random satisfaction scores. It gives you granular data points.
- Scores on specific drivers like relationship with manager, recognition, alignment with goals, well-being, personal growth, etc.
- Open-text feedback that you can tag or analyze to spot repeating themes.
- Trends over time on each driver, so you can see if, for example, trust in leadership is improving while workload balance is tanking.
- Data cut by teams or departments, so you can see if Sales is thriving while R&D is quietly suffering.
You can track trends over time and see whether your interventions are genuinely moving the needle, or if they’re just nice slide fodder for your next steering committee.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Capture team sentiment during execution |
Essential for ongoing support → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
Monitoring morale and momentum during change |
Perfect fit for execution → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Set-and-forget surveys after initial setup |
Low burden → +1 |
|
Standout feature |
Simple, quick pulse surveys |
Keeps a finger on the pulse → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Provides limited qualitative depth |
Not deep diagnostics → –1 |
When you’re knee-deep in research but need to help stakeholders actually understand it (instead of dozing off by slide 5), TutorAI.me steps in as a personal AI tutor.
You can feed it complex frameworks, new methodologies, or even raw notes from interviews. TutorAI transforms them into clear, bite-sized learning modules.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Translate complex change insights into accessible learning |
Essential for sustained adoption → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
Personalized reinforcement of new behaviors and mindsets |
Perfect for sustain phase → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Minimal setup, content generated dynamically by AI |
Low burden → +1 |
|
Standout feature |
AI-driven simplification and personalization |
Engages learners on their terms → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Dependent on quality of source input and digital access |
Needs good inputs and tech → –1 |
A true classic that never goes out of style. A “Lessons learned” workshop is a structured reflection session where you and key stakeholders gather to discuss:
- What went well?
- What didn’t?
- What would we do differently next time?
Using a resource like funretrospectives.com makes it easy to run these workshops both in person and remotely. It provides simple templates to guide the discussion and collects input anonymously if needed, which helps surface honest feedback.
The main advantage is that it moves evaluation beyond numbers and surveys, turning it into a collaborative process. This ensures that lessons are captured clearly, responsibilities for improvements are assigned, and everyone leaves with a shared understanding of what comes next.
In other words, it’s not just about measuring success or failure – it’s about learning and adapting for the future. That’s what makes these workshops an essential part of stage 5 in any change process.
|
Factor |
Description |
Score rule |
|
Purpose |
Facilitate structured reflection to capture lessons learned and improvement actions |
Essential for evaluation and learning → +1 |
|
Ideal usage |
After project phases or major milestones to review outcomes and team dynamics |
Perfect for evaluation stage → +1 |
|
Effort level |
Low to moderate: requires session facilitation and participant engagement |
Easy to set up but needs good facilitation → 0 |
|
Standout feature |
Supports anonymous input and multiple formats for honest feedback |
Boosts open discussion → +2 |
|
Limitation |
Limited integrations with other tools; depends on active participant involvement |
Might lose impact if poorly facilitated → –1 |
Change management isn’t a guessing game. You can’t just rely on gut feelings or hope your past wins carry you through. It’s about mixing solid research, smart tools, and a deep understanding of people and culture.
From diagnostics to engagement and evaluation, the right tools can transform your consultancy from “just another advice” to a true change-driving powerhouse.
If you want a tool that helps you turn complex qualitative diagnostic data into clear, actionable insights, and then instantly deliver personalized feedback that keeps stakeholders engaged. Pointerpro is designed exactly for that. It’s not just about collecting data; it’s about making that data work for you, your customers, and the change projects you lead.
Ready to level up your change management game? Give Pointerpro a try and experience how smart assessments and tailored reports can set you apart and keep your projects on track. Because in change management, evidence beats intuition every time.
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About the author:
Jeroen De Rore
As Creative Copywriter at Pointerpro, Jeroen thinks and writes about the challenges professional service providers find on their paths. He is a tech optimist with a taste for nostalgia and storytelling.