In volatile times, reorganizations often fail because they lack flexibility to adapt to shifting constraints. For organizations under external constraints, the challenge is even greater: how do you innovate when faced with budget freezes, headcount restrictions, and strict policies.

This workshop introduces Adaptive Strategic Reorganization, an approach that treats organizational design as an empirical, iterative process rather than a static event.

Drawing from a recent “test-fit” reorganization at NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education, we share how a division of 150 staff members navigated a complex landscape of administrative restrictions and leadership changes to build a more resilient operating model.

In this interactive session, participants will explore human-centered approaches to leadership that empower staff, create alignment, and build resilience during uncertain transitions.

Whether you are leading a small team or an entire unit, this session provides tools to think through strategic reorganization during times of high uncertainty. Attendees will leave with a practical approach for leading meaningful change, regardless of external pressures or institutional limitations their organizations face.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify organizational non-negotiables to define boundaries for structural innovation
• Apply a test-and-learn mindset to prototype organizational changes using empirical feedback and iterative design
• Discuss leadership strategies to keep your team connected during organizational change.