Two Keys to Successful Transformation

A lot of companies believe that they can transform the way they do business. Some go so far as to include transformation in some job titles. You might be an architect, an agile coach, or otherwise responsible for setting the new standards or transitioning to a new set of tools. Sometimes you may have just one shot at doing it right; it’s worth taking the time to do it right. Let me suggest two quick tips to make your life easier.

Transformation

Education before Enforcement

All chances for a lasting transformation depend on how well change management is executed in the organization. People absorb change at a different pace; you will have to gauge what is appropriate for your culture. As you go about evangelizing other teams about these new standards or tools, allow them some latitude:

1. To experiment with their options
2. To learn from their mistakes and re-calibrate accordingly
3. To become comfortable with the nuances of the rules or tools

Transformation requires Flexibility

Your mandates or recommendations will not survive, if there is no time to implement them. Discuss how people can efficiently put their new knowledge to practice, without unnecessarily extending their work day. Scheduled meetings are a great place to start.

1. Is attendance truly required at every meeting?
2. What is an individual’s expected input?
3. What must the individual be there to learn?
4. Can that information be exchanged via other means?
5. Is someone else able to represent their interests in the meetings?

Simply announcing new rules won’t suffice. Once you disseminate the information, there has to be a way to encourage adoption. At a minimum, your own team has to be a model of compliance, and offer support as others begin the journey. This will show that you are invested in the outcome, and that you are not simply ruling from an ivy tower.