by Tarran Deane

Gnome Framework Innovative Change Management Approach

The GNOME Framework: An Innovative Change Management Approach

Are you a busy business leader, manager or sponsor of change? In a world where change is constant, the ability to navigate and lead transformation effectively is a critical skill. Drawing from my experience in change management in the public sector, health, education and finance environments, I was recently inspired by a discovery during a bushwalk in northern NSW.

Now before we begin, this is a holiday post. I’m up for a little fun as I weave a seasonal theme around change management management elements.

After all, I’m “Hanging with my Gnomies” right? Let’s play.

Introducing the GNOME Framework for Change Management.

I’d like to introduce you to a unique, simple, yet memorable tool: the GNOME Framework for Change Management.

On that walk, I stumbled upon the GNOME tree—a surprising community creation that transformed a simple pathway into something meaningful.

The GNOME tree wasn’t just a garden of quirky decorations; it was a symbol of ownership, creativity, and collaboration. It also reminded me of an important truth in change management: when employees feel engaged and connected to a larger vision, they can grow and contribute alongside the organisation. The momentum is evidenced by a changed landscape, a shift in conversation and ongoing participation in feedback, adoption, usage and effectiveness.

Why GNOMEs? A Memorable Metaphor with a New Purpose

The term ‘GNOME’ has an interesting history, appearing in various contexts over time. In the tech industry, GNOME is an acronym for the GNU Network Object Model Environment, a free and open-source desktop environment for Unix-like operating systems. It’s a robust example of how something seemingly small can support significant systems.

In educational contexts, particularly within Waldorf education, ‘gnomes’ are brought to life as characters in stories to teach mathematical concepts to young children. These narratives personify mathematical operations through gnome characters like *’Little Plus’* and *’Little Minus,’* making abstract ideas engaging and relatable.

Even in career development, gnomes make an appearance. The book ‘Gordon the Gnome’ presents a fictional story that imparts career and life lessons. Each chapter concludes with insights and reflective questions, encouraging personal and professional growth.

Despite these fascinating uses, there doesn’t seem to be a widely recognised business framework or methodology that employs ‘GNOME’ as an acronym. That’s where the **GNOME Framework** comes in—a fresh, professional application of the term designed to address the challenges of change management. This framework transforms GNOME into a strategic tool, focused on empowering leaders to foster innovation, engagement, and ownership within their organisations.

The GNOME Framework: A Unique and Strategic Tool for Change Management

Unlike its predecessors in tech, education, or fiction, the GNOME Framework is tailored for the business world, offering a structured yet flexible approach to navigating organisational change. It draws on the whimsy and relatability of gnomes while grounding itself in actionable insights and best practices.

🔑 What GNOME stands for in Change Management – This is a Metaphor found in ‘real life’.

G: Growing Capabilities, Culture, and Innovation
N: New Opportunities
O: Ownership
M: Managed Engagement
E: Employee ExperienceIDEA: Look around your workplace and surroundings… what lessons can you draw to reframe your approach to change, to create relatable anecdotes and lighten the load. Make it real.

Why the GNOME Framework Matters

🎯 Why the GNOME Framework matters:

Creates clarity amidst the complexity of #changemanagement strategies
Turns #changeresistance into engagement, empowering employees to embrace transformation.
Centres on #employeeexperience, the foundation of every successful organisational change.
Helps you focus on creating a Culture of Change

GNOME in Action: Aligned with PROSCI®, ISO 10020, and ISO 42001:2023

Here are a Few Quotes That Highlight the Importance of the GNOME Framework Components for Change Management

G: Growing Capabilities, Culture, and Innovation

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. – John F. Kennedy

N: New Opportunities

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

O: Ownership

It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable. – Molière

M: Managed Engagement

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. – Mark Twain

E: Employee Experience

Treat your employees like they make a difference. And they will. – Jim Goodnight

Conclusion: Leading Change with the GNOME Framework for Change Management

The GNOME Framework offers a professional, strategic approach to leading change while keeping the human experience at the centre. Whether you’re a leader driving organisational transformation or an individual navigating personal transitions, the GNOME principles remind us that change is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and connect.

💡 Ready to have a little fun while transforming challenges into opportunities?

The GNOME Framework is a simple way to tell a story, drive engagement, and create a lasting impact in your #leadership journey. Make your change count.

About Tarran Deane | Change Management Strategist in Australia

Tarran Deane is a Change Management Specialist in Australia – Expert Leadership & Transformation Senior Advisor, renowned for helping organisations navigate complex transformations with structured planning, practical execution, and a touch of humour. Based on the Gold Coast, she partners with organisations across Brisbane, Northern New South Wales, and Canberra, bringing over 21 years of expertise in driving meaningful, measurable change.

As a PROSCI® enterprise certified practitioner and transformation specialist, Tarran works with leaders in the Public Sector, Finance, Tourism, Health and Not-for-Profit Disability, Aged Care, and Community Services industries. She is passionate about building organisational agility, empowering leaders to eliminate fear, embrace sustainable change, and delivering outcomes that align with long-term goals.

Through a select number of engagements, Tarran delivers:

Change Management Consulting and contract engagements, typically spanning 1-3 years, focused on achieving long-term transformation goals.
Executive Coaching for C-suite and senior leaders,
Customised Training Programs designed to uplift change capability, and
Keynote Speaking Presentations that inspire and inform audiences.

When she’s not consulting or facilitating, you’ll find Tarran cornering through the scenic hills of Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW on her Ducati 800 Monster motorcycle, spending time with family and friends, or cheering for her favourite riders during the MotoGP season on Kayo.

Connect with Tarran today at TarranDeane.com or on LinkedIn @TarranDeane to explore how she can support your organisation’s transformation journey.

in Change Management

by Tarran Deane

Managing Resistance to Change – Lean In, Stay Upright

I grew up with the smell of racing fuel and talk of track days. You need resistance to propel you forward.

Little wonder then years later I progressed from my bicycle to horses, dirt bikes and Ducati motorbikes – and weekends watching the MotoGP season. Last Sunday’s race was a cracker!

Navigating change resistance is kind of like riding bikes.

You can’t ride these machines the same way.

You can’t ride your bike and someone else’s at the same time.

You can run alongside someone while their training wheels are on and point them to a great course to develop their safety skills.

But, you have to ride your own bike in life.

Sometimes you’ll stack it (technical term), slip in the gravel as a kid and scrape the inside of your ankle on the metal pedal.

You’ll get your license and drive responsibly, perhaps be tempted to ‘put your pedal to the metal’.

But here’s the thing. If you are wise, if you appreciate the task at hand, if you are a good steward of workplace assets you’ll notice things.

You’ll become aware of your surroundings, and your desire to understand will override the fear of falling or failing to deliver.

You’ll choose to ride your bikes together as a team, and get to know how the machinations of your workplace well, work.

You’ll get a feel for the environment and test yourself without being ‘testy’ with others, even when it comes time to really lean into change.

The bumps and scrapes are all part of the joy of living and the privilege of doing life together, out on the track.

The savvier you are at navigating change the more ‘positive resistance’ becomes your friend.

Using the strength of resistance, increasing mental resilience and knowledge of the conditions, MotoGP rider Jorge Martin’s post-race interview in Lombok Indonesia had me thinking.

Excerpt from article on MOTOGP rider Jorge Martin's recent Lombok Indonesia win.

Issues Martin describes are applicable in workplaces navigating historical change and resistance that with careful skill and personal responsibility can drive skilful adoption, and use the conditions to propel you forward in the change process.

Catch the MotoGP interview here: https://lnkd.in/gEziti8K

Resistance isn’t bad. When the rubber meets the road, it’s a necessary part of the change journey.

Lean in and stay upright.

About the Author

Tarran Deane author, Transformation Specialist and Change Professional, Ducati Enthusiast on her Ducati 600

Tarran Deane is an accomplished transformation specialist and change management leader and advisor, with a focus on helping organisations achieve sustainable transformation. As a PROSCI-certified practitioner and Grad Dip. Strategic Leadership, Tarran has led successful change initiatives across diverse sectors, empowering leaders to inspire and guide their teams through the complexities of change.
Tarran still works full-time connecting people to purpose and delivering change outcomes.

For fun…
When Tarran’s not busy with work you’ll find her riding through the hills near her home on her Ducati 800 Monster, watching MotoGP races on Kayo, intentionally catching up with family and friends, and trying to sing in key!

Connect with Tarran at www.TarranDeane.com or on LinkedIn @TarranDeane.