Monthly Archives: January 2021

The One Movie All Electric Car Designers Should Watch

Ford Mustang Electric Cobra

by Braden Kelley

In 2011 a Ron Howard comedy was released starring Kevin James, Vince Vaughn, Winona Ryder, Channing Tatum, Jennifer Connelly, and Queen Latifah. The film was called ‘The Dilemma’ and it was a very funny buddy comedy focused on commitment and marital infidelity. But today, we’re focused on one of the subplots that makes ‘The Dilemma’ a movie that every electric car designer should watch. The subplot highlighted a solution to the silent problem with electric vehicles and one of the barriers to widespread adoption.

Vince Vaughn and Kevin James’ characters are best friends and partners in a small auto design firm. The two have recently been given an opportunity to pitch an eco-friendly car to Dodge. One of the main features of this car is that it looks like a muscle car and it sounds like a muscle car, but it’s actually an electric car. Here is a video clip in German that I found on YouTube that shows their sound triumph:

Besides being like large golf carts, electric cars are also INCREDIBLY dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists at low speeds because they’re nearly silent. In addition to being dangerous, electric cars also sound boring.

Electric cars are so dangerous because of their silence, some governments are mandating that they make sounds at least while backing up – you know, those annoying beeping sounds.

Even the cool 1,500 horsepower equivalent electric Ford Mustang Cobra pictured above sounds really boring when it shoots off the line in its promo video going down the drag strip.

Designers, why can’t you implement more interesting, more exhilarating sounds like those in the video before we’re all forced to buy electric vehicles?

They could easily be designed to fade away as the vehicle reaches speeds of around 30 miles per hour and wind and road noise starts to become sufficient to give pedestrians and cyclists a fighting change.

What say you?

Image credit: Slashgear.com


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Remote Project Management – The Visual Project Charter™

Remote Project Management - The Visual Project Charter™

The truth is that for most of us project managers, whether we want to admit it or not, the process of creating a project charter is one that we often dread.

We sit there in front of a Microsoft Word template blinking at us on the screen and realize just how much missing or incomplete information we have when we begin typing into the one of the very first, and potentially most important artifacts for any project.

We know we face the sending of a series of emails, follow up emails, follow up to the follow up emails, and maybe even some escalation emails and phone calls just to get the information we need to create the first draft of a project charter. And that’s before we even begin trying to get alignment, buy-in, and sign-off on the document.

Now, add in the challenges of trying to create a project charter when everyone is working remotely and our sacred task of initiating a project doesn’t get any easier.

So, there has never been a better time to leverage the Visual Project Charter™.

The Visual Project Charter™

With online whiteboarding tools like Mural, Miro, LucidSpark and Microsoft Whiteboard you can easily download the Visual Project Charter™ for FREE as a JPEG and upload it as a background to place digital sticky notes on as you collaborate with cross-functional team virtually using Zoom, Cisco WebEx or Microsoft Teams.

Visual Project Charter™

Click here to access the PDF poster (35″x56″) and JPEG of the Visual Project Charter™

To help give you a better idea of how easy this is to do and what it might look like, I created the following short six-minute video introduction to the Visual Project Charter™ to show how easy it is to take the JPEG and upload it as a background into online whiteboarding tools like Mural, Miro, LucidSpark or Microsoft Whiteboard where you can place digital sticky notes instead of real ones as you collaborate with cross-functional team virtually using Zoom, Cisco WebEx or Microsoft Teams.

Click here to access the PDF poster (35″x56″) and JPEG of the Visual Project Charter™

Remote Project Management

Whether you download the Visual Project Charter™ PDF and print it as a poster (35″x56″) or use the JPEG in the digital world I’m sure you’ll agree that this a much more visual, collaborative, enjoyable and effective way to gather all of the information to populate your project charter and build the buy-in and alignment necessary to make your project a success!

Here is a step-by-step guide for how to use the Visual Project Charter™ with online whiteboarding tools like Miro, Mural, LucidSpark and Microsoft Whiteboard:

  1. Download the Visual Project Charter™ from this web site
  2. (both JPEG and PDF)

  3. Create a new workspace in your online whiteboarding tool (Miro, Mural, LucidSpark or Microsoft Whiteboard)
  4. Upload the JPEG version of the Visual Project Charter™ to your online whiteboarding tool
    • MIRO – ‘Upload->My Device’ (left side icons)
    • MURAL -‘Images->import images’ (left side icons)
    • LUCIDSPARK – ‘Insert->Images’ (under hamburger menu on the top)
    • WHITEBOARD – ‘Images->Library Image’ (bottom icons)

  5. Resize the JPEG image after it is added
  6. Lock the JPEG image down so people can’t move it around when placing their sticky notes
  7. Create work areas around the Visual Project Charter™ to give you larger, targeted areas to work (if desired)
  8. Plan and execute your cross-functional team meeting to populate the Visual Project Charter™ via Zoom or Cisco WebEx or Microsoft teams when the workspace is built
  9. Have fun!
  10. Use the results of your Visual Project Charter™ session to create a traditional project charter and route it for signatures

Charting ChangeI’m sure you’ll get a lot of value out of the Visual Project Charter™, especially when using it as part of your remote project management best practices.

And, if you like the Visual Project Charter™, you will LOVE the Change Planning Toolkit™ and should definitely pick up copies of my books:

  1. Charting Change
  2. Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire

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The Role of Precision Medicine in Personalizing Healthcare Treatment

The Role of Precision Medicine in Personalizing Healthcare Treatment

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, precision medicine stands out as a beacon of hope for individualized treatment strategies. By integrating clinical and molecular information, precision medicine tailors healthcare to the unique genetic makeup of each patient, offering a more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan.

Case Study 1: Oncology and Genomic Profiling

Jane, a 54-year-old woman, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Traditional chemotherapy had limited effect, and her prognosis was poor. However, genomic profiling of her tumor revealed a specific mutation that was targetable by a new, experimental drug. Enrolled in a clinical trial, Jane received the personalized medication, which significantly reduced her tumor size and improved her quality of life. This case underscores the power of precision medicine in identifying effective treatments for patients who might otherwise have limited options.

Case Study 2: Pharmacogenomics and Mental Health

John, a 30-year-old man, struggled with severe depression and had tried multiple antidepressants with no success. Through pharmacogenomic testing, his healthcare provider discovered that John had a genetic variation affecting his metabolism of certain medications. With this insight, John was prescribed a different class of antidepressant tailored to his genetic profile. The result was a dramatic improvement in his symptoms, demonstrating how precision medicine can optimize medication selection and dosing for better outcomes.

Conclusion

Precision medicine is not a distant dream but a rapidly advancing reality. It holds the promise of revolutionizing healthcare by making treatment as unique as the patients themselves. As we continue to unravel the human genome and harness the power of data analytics, the potential for personalized healthcare becomes increasingly tangible. With each successful case study, we move closer to a future where every patient can receive care that is precisely calibrated to their individual needs.

These case studies illustrate the profound impact that precision medicine can have on patient care. By leveraging advanced technologies and personalized data, healthcare providers can offer treatments that are more effective and less invasive, leading to better patient outcomes and a brighter future for medicine.

Bottom line: Futures research is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futures research themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Start 2021 with a Free Innovation Audit

Free Innovation AuditNow in Portuguese or English

Are you struggling to identify why your innovation efforts are failing to achieve their desired results?

Identify your areas of opportunity with my FREE 50 question audit in one of two ways:

1. Get immediate feedback with the online version

2. Download the Microsoft Excel worksheet (in English or Portuguese)

  • have people across your organization fill it out and collate your results
  • OR purchase the Innovation Diagnostic Service for my help setting up a study and analyzing results

The innovation audit is most powerful when answers are gathered at multiple levels of the organization across several groups and several sites.

I created my FREE Innovation Audit for buyers of my first book Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire, but it’s now available for global use.

NOTE: If you’d like to translate the audit into another language, please contact me.

In addition to helping you identify areas of potential improvement and the strengths/weaknesses of your innovation culture, it will also help you see your level of innovation maturity.

Innovation Maturity Model

Image adapted from the book Innovation Tournaments by Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich

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Mitigating risks and overcoming challenges during a digital transformation

Mitigating risks and overcoming challenges during a digital transformation

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

As organizations continue to undergo digital transformations, they are faced with a myriad of risks and challenges that can potentially hinder the successful implementation of new technologies. From legacy systems that are resistant to change to cybersecurity threats that put sensitive data at risk, businesses must navigate through these obstacles to achieve their goals. In this thought leadership article, we will explore how organizations can mitigate risks and overcome challenges during a digital transformation by examining two case studies.

Case Study 1: Company A

Company A, a manufacturing firm with a history of using traditional paper-based processes, decided to digitize their operations to increase efficiency and streamline production. However, during the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, they encountered several challenges that threatened the success of their digital transformation.

One of the primary risks faced by Company A was the resistance from employees who were accustomed to their manual processes. To mitigate this risk, the organization implemented a comprehensive change management strategy that included training sessions, workshops, and continuous support for staff members. By engaging with employees and addressing their concerns, Company A was able to successfully transition to the new digital system with minimal disruptions.

Another challenge faced by Company A was the potential vulnerability to cyber threats as they moved sensitive data to a cloud-based ERP system. To address this risk, the organization invested in robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. By prioritizing data security and implementing best practices, Company A was able to safeguard their information assets and mitigate the risk of breaches during their digital transformation.

Case Study 2: Company B

Company B, a retail organization looking to enhance their customer experience through digital channels, embarked on a digital transformation journey that included the implementation of an omnichannel marketing strategy. However, their efforts were hampered by the challenge of integrating disparate systems and data sources to create a seamless shopping experience for customers.

To overcome this challenge, Company B adopted an integration platform that allowed them to connect their CRM, e-commerce platform, inventory management system, and other applications in real-time. This streamlined data flow enabled the organization to gain a comprehensive view of their customers and deliver personalized marketing campaigns across all channels. By investing in a robust integration solution, Company B was able to overcome the challenge of siloed data and create a unified customer experience during their digital transformation.

Conclusion

Mitigating risks and overcoming challenges during a digital transformation requires proactive planning, stakeholder engagement, and investment in the right technologies. By learning from the experiences of companies like Company A and Company B, organizations can navigate through obstacles and achieve successful outcomes in their digital journey. Embracing change, prioritizing data security, and investing in integration solutions are crucial steps towards ensuring a smooth transition to a digital future.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Change Metrics that Matter

Measuring the Impact of Change Initiatives

Change Metrics that Matter

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations are constantly undergoing change to stay competitive and adapt to market demands. However, implementing change initiatives can be challenging, and measuring the impact of these efforts is essential to ensure their success. It is crucial for organizations to not only track the progress of change initiatives but also measure their effectiveness and impact on key metrics. In this article, we will explore the importance of measuring change metrics that matter and highlight two case study examples of organizations that have successfully measured the impact of their change initiatives.

Measuring the impact of change initiatives is crucial for organizations to understand whether their efforts are driving the desired results and achieving their intended goals. Without proper measurement, organizations may struggle to quantify the success of their change initiatives and identify areas for improvement. By establishing clear metrics and measuring progress against them, organizations can track the effectiveness of their change initiatives, identify areas of success, and pivot their approach if necessary.

One key aspect of measuring the impact of change initiatives is identifying the right metrics to track. While traditional metrics such as cost savings and revenue growth are important, organizations should also consider measuring softer metrics such as employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and organizational culture. By tracking a combination of both hard and soft metrics, organizations can gain a holistic understanding of the impact of their change initiatives and ensure they are driving long-term success.

Case Study 1: Company A

Company A, a global technology company, embarked on a large-scale organizational restructuring to streamline operations and improve efficiency. To measure the impact of this change initiative, the company tracked metrics such as employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and time-to-market for new products. By analyzing these metrics over time, Company A was able to identify areas where the change initiative was successful and areas that required further attention. As a result, the company was able to make data-driven decisions to optimize its change initiative and achieve its desired outcomes.

Case Study 2: Company B

Company B, a healthcare organization, implemented a new electronic health record system to improve patient care and streamline operations. To measure the impact of this change initiative, the organization tracked metrics such as patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency. By analyzing these metrics, Company B was able to identify that the new system led to faster patient check-ins, improved accuracy of patient records, and increased staff satisfaction. As a result, the organization was able to demonstrate the success of its change initiative and make continuous improvements to enhance patient care further.

Conclusion

Measuring the impact of change initiatives is essential for organizations to drive success and achieve their desired outcomes. By tracking a combination of hard and soft metrics, organizations can gain a holistic understanding of the effectiveness of their change initiatives and make data-driven decisions to optimize their approach. The case study examples of Company A and Company B highlight the importance of measuring change metrics that matter and the positive impact it can have on organizational success. As organizations continue to navigate change in an ever-evolving business landscape, measuring the impact of change initiatives will be crucial to driving sustainable growth and success.

Bottom line: Futures research is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futures research themselves.

Image credit: misterinnovation.com

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Collaborative Design for Disruption

Exploring the power of collaboration and co-creation in designing innovative solutions to industry challenges.

Collaborative Design for Disruption

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, disruption is the norm rather than the exception. As industries face increasingly complex challenges, the ability to innovate and adapt quickly is essential for survival. Traditional top-down approaches to problem-solving are no longer effective in this dynamic environment. Instead, organizations are turning to collaborative design and co-creation to harness the power of collective intelligence and creativity.

Collaborative design refers to the process of bringing together diverse stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and experts, to co-create solutions to complex problems. By leveraging the unique perspectives and expertise of each participant, organizations can uncover new insights, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative solutions that are more likely to succeed in the market.

Case Study 1: Healthcare Industry

One industry that has successfully embraced collaborative design is the healthcare sector. In a case study published in the Harvard Business Review, a large hospital network in the United States faced a significant challenge in reducing patient readmissions. Despite implementing various initiatives, readmission rates remained stubbornly high. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, the hospital network engaged patients, caregivers, nurses, physicians, and administrators in a collaborative design process to identify the root causes of readmissions and co-create solutions.

Through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and design thinking workshops, the diverse team uncovered a range of factors contributing to readmissions, including poor communication between healthcare providers and patients, inadequate discharge planning, and limited access to post-discharge care. Armed with these insights, the team developed a series of innovative solutions, such as a mobile app for patients to track their symptoms and communicate with their care team, a personalized discharge checklist, and a telehealth program for remote monitoring.

The results were impressive. Within six months of implementing the new initiatives, the hospital network saw a 20% reduction in readmission rates, leading to significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes. By embracing collaborative design, the organization was able to tap into the collective wisdom of its stakeholders and co-create solutions that addressed the root causes of the problem.

Case Study 2: Automotive Industry

Another industry that has leveraged the power of collaboration and co-creation is the automotive sector. In a case study published by McKinsey & Company, a leading car manufacturer faced a fierce competition from new entrants in the electric vehicle market. To stay ahead of the curve, the company knew it needed to innovate quickly and develop cutting-edge electric vehicles that would appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Rather than relying solely on its internal R&D teams, the car manufacturer decided to collaborate with independent designers, engineers, and sustainability experts to co-create a new electric vehicle concept. Through a series of design sprints, prototyping sessions, and user testing, the diverse team developed a revolutionary electric vehicle that combined state-of-the-art technology, sustainable materials, and a sleek design.

The result was a game-changer. The new electric vehicle received rave reviews from consumers and industry experts, catapulting the car manufacturer to the forefront of the electric vehicle market. By embracing collaborative design and tapping into external expertise, the organization was able to break free from its traditional mindset and push the boundaries of innovation.

Conclusion

Collaborative design and co-creation are powerful tools for tackling industry challenges and driving innovation. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, organizations can harness the collective intelligence and creativity of their teams to develop novel solutions that address the root causes of complex problems. As industries face increasing disruption, those that embrace collaborative design will be better equipped to thrive in the face of change.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Augmented Reality for Travel and Tourism

Redefining Customer Journeys

Augmented Reality for Travel and Tourism: Redefining Customer Journeys

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

As technology continues to advance, industries such as travel and tourism are constantly seeking new ways to enhance customer experiences. Augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a powerful tool in this pursuit, providing unique and immersive experiences for travelers. By overlaying digital information onto the physical world, AR has the potential to revolutionize the way people explore destinations, engage with local culture, and make travel decisions.

Case Study 1: Airbnb’s AR-powered travel experiences

In recent years, Airbnb has been at the forefront of incorporating AR technology into its platform to enhance the customer journey. By leveraging AR capabilities, Airbnb now offers virtual tours of rental properties, allowing potential guests to preview accommodations and explore the space before booking. This not only gives travelers a more accurate representation of the property but also helps them make informed decisions based on their preferences.

Additionally, Airbnb has introduced AR-powered city guides that provide travelers with real-time information about local attractions, restaurants, and events. By simply pointing their phones at a street corner, users can access detailed information about nearby points of interest, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar cities and discover hidden gems. This personalized and interactive experience adds a new dimension to travel planning and enriches the overall itinerary for Airbnb guests.

Case Study 2: Marriott Hotels’ virtual concierge service

Marriott Hotels has also embraced AR technology to redefine the customer journey for its guests. In partnership with Wayfair, Marriott has introduced a virtual concierge service that allows guests to visualize and decorate their hotel rooms using AR. By scanning a QR code with their smartphone, guests can access Wayfair’s catalog of furniture and decor items, virtually placing them in their room to see how they would look in real life.

This innovative use of AR enhances the personalization of hotel accommodations and empowers guests to create a space that suits their tastes and preferences. By offering this virtual design experience, Marriott Hotels not only enhances the customer journey but also creates a more engaging and memorable stay for guests.

Conclusion

Augmented reality is rapidly transforming the travel and tourism industry by redefining customer journeys and creating immersive experiences for travelers. Companies like Airbnb and Marriott Hotels are leading the way in integrating AR technology into their services, providing customers with personalized and interactive experiences that enhance their overall travel experience. As AR continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that redefine the way we explore destinations, engage with local culture, and make travel decisions. Augmented reality is truly shaping the future of travel and tourism, offering endless possibilities for creating unforgettable customer journeys.

Bottom line: Futures research is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futures research themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Jobs to be Done Playbook

Exclusive Interview for CustomerThink with Jim Kalbach

Jim Kalbach JTBD PlaybookThe Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) approach offers a unique lens for viewing the people you serve. Instead of looking at the demographic and psychographic factors of consumption, JTBD focuses on what people seek to achieve in a given circumstance. People don’t “hire” products and services because of the demographic they belong to; instead, they employ solutions to get a job done.

JTBD is not about your product, service, or brand. Instead of focusing on your own solution, you must first understand what people want and why that’s important to them. Accordingly, JTBD deliberately avoids mention of particular solutions in order to first comprehend the process that people go through to solve a problem. Only then can a company align its offerings to meet people’s goals and needs.

I had the opportunity recently to interview Jim Kalbach, a noted author, speaker, and instructor in user experience design, information architecture, and strategy. He is currently Head of Customer Experience at MURAL, the leading online whiteboard. Jim has worked with large companies, such as eBay, Audi, Sony, Elsevier Science, LexisNexis, and Citrix. His latest book is The Jobs To Be Done Playbook.

Below is the text of the interview:

1. What is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD)?

There are a couple, actually.

First, I often hear others referring to JTBD as something “new.” It’s not. People have been working in the field for a couple of decades now. And precursors to modern JTBD go back nearly 40 years. We really just now see a surge of interest around JTBD, and the hype around it makes it feel new.

Second, JTBD often gets conflated with existing methods in other fields. Marketers look at it is as just another type of “voice of the customer” program. Or, folks coming from human-centered design and related fields see JTBD as a version of UX design or similar. While there might be some overlaps with existing disciplines, JTBD offers a unique perspective and yields unique insights.

Finally, I see JTBD as a “language” of sorts to describe the objectives and needs of the people you want to serve, and learning a language takes practice. Even people who “get” JTBD quickly need to put time into understanding the language and techniques, which at times can be specific and rigorous. I often see people expect to walk away from reading a book or taking a workshop fully capable of practicing JTBD. That’s rarely the case, and it typically takes some effort to work into the topic and apply it.

2. What are some of the benefits of taking a JTBD approach to innovation?

JTBD offers a unique perspective that points to new insights and opportunities. The JTBD approach intentionally forces us to expunge any mention of technology, solutions, brands, or methods from our language. In doing so, you’re able to then see your domain as people do. First and foremost, they want to get their job done, not necessarily interact with your product or service. Viewing objectives and outcomes people have independent of technology opens up new possibilities and yields new conversations that point toward innovation opportunities.

Also, but removing ourselves and technology from the equation, we can better future-proof our thinking. Solutions come and go. Technology is often a fad. Jobs, on the other hand, are stable when you boil them down to their fundamental steps.

3. Who needs to be considered after selecting a job to focus on?

At first, simply consider job performers. Once you’ve defined your target job, you first want to understand how the job gets done independently of any specific technology or solution. I find that different types of job performers emerge based on the key factors, or circumstances, of getting the job done that can give rise to different personas.

Within your team, I recommending going as broad as possible and including stakeholders at all levels. Yes, JTBD can help you find hidden needs to address. But it’s also a catalyst for conversations and a way to get team alignment. Think of the various ways you can involve others in everything from the definition of your jobs landscape to interviews with job performers to creating a job map to finding opportunities.

4. What is your perspective on the interrelationship between functional, social and emotional jobs within JTBD?

I find that functional jobs give the most structure and reliability to work with initiation. So your work is generally framed by functional jobs, with emotional and social aspects layered on top. Emotional and social aspect then play a larger role when finding solutions to the unmet needs you’ve found and help frame how you’ll solve for them.

Continue reading the interview on CustomerThink


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Overcoming Resistance to Change

Embracing Innovation at Every Level

Overcoming Resistance to Change

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, embracing innovation is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. Organizations that resist change risk becoming stagnant, losing their competitive edge, and failing to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers. However, implementing change is often met with resistance from employees at all levels. This article explores the importance of overcoming resistance to change and provides two case studies that highlight successful examples of organizations that embraced innovation.

Case Study 1: Netflix’s Transformation from DVD Rental to Streaming Powerhouse

Netflix is a prime example of a company that transformed its business model to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Netflix was primarily known as a DVD rental-by-mail service. However, with the rise of digital media and streaming platforms, Netflix recognized the need to evolve.

The executives at Netflix embraced the challenging task of shifting their focus from physical DVDs to online streaming. This transition required a complete overhaul of their infrastructure, as well as a mindset shift throughout the entire organization. However, they faced resistance from employees who were comfortable with the existing business model.

To overcome this resistance to change, Netflix’s leadership implemented several strategies. First, they communicated the urgency and importance of embracing digital innovation, emphasizing that failure to do so could result in the company’s demise. They also invested in employees’ professional development, providing training and education to ensure everyone had the necessary skills to adapt to the digital landscape.

By involving employees at every level in the transformation process, Netflix successfully overcame resistance to change. Today, the company is a global streaming powerhouse, providing on-demand entertainment to millions of subscribers worldwide.

Case Study 2: The Agile Transformation of Spotify

Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, faced its own challenges when trying to innovate and scale rapidly. Like many companies, they experienced difficulties with hierarchical structures and bureaucracy that hindered innovation and agility.

To address these challenges, Spotify undertook an innovative organizational transformation, adopting the agile methodology. This shift involved breaking down traditional functional silos and organizing teams into small, cross-functional units called “squads.” Each squad was responsible for a specific area of the product, encouraging collaboration and rapid decision-making.

Leadership at Spotify knew that overcoming resistance to change required a bottoms-up approach. They empowered employees to experiment, take ownership, and challenge existing ways of doing things. This not only fostered a culture of innovation but also gave individuals a sense of autonomy and purpose, leading to higher motivation and productivity.

By embracing the values of the agile methodology, Spotify transformed its entire organization, unlocking unprecedented innovation and adaptability. Today, it remains a global leader in the music streaming industry, continuously evolving to meet the demands of its users.

Conclusion

Change and innovation are essential for organizational growth and success in today’s dynamic environment. However, organizations must also recognize and address the resistance that accompanies these shifts. By involving employees at every level, providing training and support, and fostering a culture of ownership and autonomy, organizations can successfully overcome resistance to change. The case studies of Netflix and Spotify demonstrate the power of embracing innovation, transforming organizations, and remaining agile in the face of constant change.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Pixabay

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