CLEAR Change Framework | Erik Bohjort - Organizational Change Consulting

Foundations

CLEAR integrates three traditions: behavioral science (how people and organizations actually change), systems thinking (how to find leverage in complex, interconnected organizations), and design thinking (how to learn through rapid prototyping). The framework maps onto Kurt Lewin's Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze model, with listening as the catalyst at every stage.

Created by Erik Bohjort, Licensed Psychologist, and delivered by a team of senior consultants, CLEAR bridges the gap between academic research and practical organizational needs.

The Five Steps

Unfreeze Phase

C — Clarity of Objectives

Define what success looks like and why the change matters. Align stakeholders around a shared North Star with measurable OKRs. Without clarity, everything that follows is guesswork.

Stakeholder alignment workshopsMeasurable OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)Organizational readiness assessment

Unfreeze Phase

L — Leverage through Systems Mapping

Map the organizational system to find where small, targeted changes create maximum impact. Most change initiatives fail because they target symptoms, not leverage points.

Cross-functional systems mappingIdentify feedback loops and dependenciesPrioritize high-impact intervention points

Change Phase

E — Experimentation through Prototyping

Test interventions on a small scale before committing. Low-cost experiments at identified leverage points generate real data about what works — and what doesn't — before you go all-in.

Design low-risk pilot projectsRapid prototyping at leverage pointsGather immediate data and feedback

Refreeze Phase

A — Analysis and Reflection

Rigorously evaluate what happened against your key results. What worked? What didn't? What surprised you? Surprises are the most valuable — they reveal gaps in your understanding.

Structured review against key resultsReflective discussions on surprises and failuresUpdate systems map with new understanding

Refreeze Phase

R — Refinement and Scaling

Feed learnings back into your objectives, systems understanding, and process. Scale what works. Begin the next cycle with renewed clarity. CLEAR is iterative — each pass gets sharper.

Refine vision and objectives based on evidenceScale successful interventions organization-wideBegin the next CLEAR cycle or embed changes

CLEAR Is Cyclical

After Refinement, you don't stop — you revisit Clarity with new understanding. Each cycle sharpens your objectives, deepens your systems map, and improves your experiments. This is what separates CLEAR from linear models: the organization gets better at changing, not just at the specific change.

How CLEAR Compares

vs. Kotter's 8-Step Model

Linear and sequential. CLEAR is iterative — each cycle deepens understanding. CLEAR adds systems mapping and experimentation where Kotter prescribes fixed stages.

vs. ADKAR

Focuses on individual behavior change. CLEAR operates at the organizational system level — addressing structural dynamics, not just individual readiness.

vs. Lean Change Management

Shares the iterative spirit. CLEAR adds systematic leverage analysis through systems mapping and grounds the approach in behavioral science.

vs. Design Thinking

Great for product innovation. CLEAR extends the same principles to full organizational change, adding systems mapping and behavioral science foundations.

vs. OBM

Applies behavioral analysis to performance. CLEAR adds systems-level mapping and purpose-driven clarity to ensure interventions align with strategic objectives.

Ready to Apply CLEAR?

Start with a free discovery call to discuss your challenges, or take the assessment to see where your organization stands.

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The CLEAR Change Framework