What is the focus of the unfreezing stage of change management?

The unfreezing stage of change management is primarily focused on creating a sense of dissatisfaction with the current situation in order to motivate employees to embrace the need for change. This stage is crucial as it prepares individuals and the organization for the impending change by highlighting the gaps between the current state and desired outcomes.

During unfreezing, leaders emphasize the drawbacks of the existing practices and behaviors, which fosters motivation among employees to shift their mindset and behaviors toward acceptance of change. This psychological readiness is essential for effective change implementation, as it lays the groundwork for moving forward into the next stages of the change process. By establishing a sense of urgency or concern about the current state, leaders can successfully engage employees in the change journey.