Category Archives: Management

Why Change is Hard

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Why Change is Hard

In 250 Words or Less

When we think about change, often we look at it as being done to us, not something that we are part of. Initiating change is a scary, overwhelming process that we often avoid because we lack the tools to accumulate buy-in and successfully plan and execute the change in the face of the following obstacles/barriers:

  1. psychological/political
  2. logistical
  3. financial
  4. external

This leads to inaction and preservation of the status quo until the pain becomes too much to bear, or the promise of the change becomes so enticing, that people are willing to drop their resistance and begin engaging in the activities necessary to realize the intended outcomes of the change.

Organizations must identify up-front not only why people may resist, but also who will likely resist. Some of the typical reasons why people will resist include:

  • loss of certainty (includes fear of job loss)
  • loss of purpose, direction, or status
  • loss of mastery (includes loss of expertise/recognition)
  • loss of control or ownership
  • loss of connection or attachment
  • lack of trust or clarity
  • fear of failure (feel unprepared)
  • seeing proposed change as irrelevant or a bad idea

Finally, change is hard because even if you idedntify and overcome the resistance/obstacles/barriers, hiding below the surface is the even more daunting prospect that according to a 2009 ProSci study, 73% of organizations are at or near change saturation — the point at which organizations are incapable of absorbing additional change.

(248 words)

SPECIAL BONUS

One tool I created for the Change Planning Toolkit™ that will assist you in creating a stronger change strategy and more targeted communications as you lower resistance and get people to choose change are the Eight Change Mindsets:

Eight Change Mindsets to Harness for Success

Obviously it is really hard to fit everything into 250 words so I had to leave some great other highlights of why change is hard, including this one:

In a 2008 global CEO study conducted by IBM on the enterprise of the future, the top challenges to successfully implementing strategic change were identified as:

  1. changing mindsets and attitudes (58 percent)
  2. corporate culture (49 percent)
  3. underestimating complexity (35 percent)
  4. shortage of resources (33 percent)
  5. lack of commitment from higher management (32 percent)
  6. lack of change know-how (20 percent)
  7. lack of motivation of employees involved (16 percent)

And here are some other challenges I would have included in the list:

  • lack of tools
  • lack of training
  • stakeholder misalignment
  • lack of buy in
  • change saturation
  • change fatigue
  • lack of change readiness
  • missing prerequisites
  • underestimating resistance
  • missing resources needed to succeed
  • underestimating risks and barriers
  • underestimating benefits of the status quo

To make change easier you’ll definitely want to transform how you plan and execute change into a more visual and collaborative approach, ideally suited for remote and hybrid interactions. It’s all laid out in my latest book Charting Change and supported by the Change Planning Toolkit™. A growing number of universities are picking up and teaching this new modern approach. Why not you?

Sources:

  1. Charting Change by Braden Kelley, Palgrave Macmillan, 2016
  2. Marsh survey on health, productivity and absenteeism—Prosci, 2009

Image Credit: Unsplash


Accelerate your change and transformation success

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Robots and Automation

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Redefining Industries and the Workforce

Robots and Automation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

The world is undergoing a technological revolution, where robots and automation are increasingly prevalent in industries, altering the way we work and transforming entire sectors. This paradigm shift has given rise to a new era for the global workforce, with significant implications for the economy and society as a whole. In this thought leadership article, we will explore how robots and automation redefine industries and reshape the workforce by examining two compelling case study examples.

Case Study 1: The Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation due to the integration of robots and automation. Assembly lines that were once dominated by human labor have now become hubs of robotic efficiency. Manufacturing giants like Tesla and Toyota have turned to automation to enhance production speed, improve quality control, and ultimately increase profitability.

The deployment of robots and automation in the automotive sector has proven to be a game-changer. By automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, such as welding, painting, and assembly, manufacturers have achieved greater precision and consistency in their operations. This shift has also led to a reduction in workplace injuries, as robots effectively handle hazardous tasks and operate in environments inhospitable to humans.

Yet, the introduction of automation in the automotive industry has not come without its challenges. While overall productivity has surged, concerns about job displacement have mounted. However, it is important to note that automation has typically resulted in the creation of new jobs that are more cognitively demanding and require advanced technical skills. Moreover, the shift to automation allows human workers to be up-skilled in areas such as robot programming, maintenance, and supervision, leading to higher job satisfaction and improved career prospects.

Case Study 2: E-commerce and Warehousing

The rapid growth of e-commerce has revolutionized the retail industry, prompting a surge in demand for warehousing and fulfillment centers. Robots and automation have played a pivotal role in meeting this demand by redefining the warehousing landscape. Companies like Amazon have embraced robotics to optimize their logistics operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline processes.

Robots deployed in e-commerce warehouses are capable of picking, packing, and sorting products at remarkable speeds, far surpassing the capabilities of human workers. They navigate the warehouse floor with precision and utilize machine learning algorithms to continuously improve their performance. Automation allows for a much quicker order fulfillment process, leading to reduced delivery times and improved customer satisfaction.

While the use of robots in e-commerce warehouses has raised concerns about job displacement, it is vital to understand the broader picture. As demand for online shopping and rapid delivery increases, the need for more sophisticated logistics operations grows as well. This expansion necessitates a larger workforce to manage, program, and maintain the robotic systems. Furthermore, the integration of automation in e-commerce has opened up new opportunities for workers in areas such as inventory management, data analysis, and customer service, illustrating the transformative nature of this technology.

Conclusion

Robots and automation are undoubtedly redefining industries and transforming the global workforce. As exemplified by the automotive industry and e-commerce sector, the integration of this technology has led to increased productivity, improved quality control, and enhanced safety measures. While concerns about job displacement persist, historical evidence suggests that automation creates new roles that require advanced skills, benefiting workers in the long run. To adapt to this rapidly changing landscape, harnessing the potential of robots and automation will be crucial for individuals, companies, and policymakers alike. It is through proactive adaptation and up-skilling that we can embrace this technological revolution and shape a future where robots work alongside humans for the betterment of society.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Wikimedia

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Remote Project Management – The Visual Project Charter™

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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)

  2. Create a new workspace in your online whiteboarding tool (Miro, Mural, LucidSpark or Microsoft Whiteboard)

  3. 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)

  4. Resize the JPEG image after it is added

  5. Lock the JPEG image down so people can’t move it around when placing their sticky notes

  6. Create work areas around the Visual Project Charter™ to give you larger, targeted areas to work (if desired)

  7. 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

  8. Have fun!

  9. 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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Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020

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Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020After a week of torrid voting and much passionate support, along with a lot of gut-wrenching consideration and jostling during the judging round, I am proud to announce your Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020:

  1. Janet Sernack
    Janet Sernack is the Founder and CEO of ImagineNation™ which provides innovation consulting services to help organizations adapt, innovate and grow through disruption by challenging businesses to be, think and act differently to co-create a world where people matter & innovation is the norm.
  2. Tom Koulopoulos
    Thomas KoulopoulosTom Koulopoulos is the author of 10 books and founder of the Delphi Group, a 25-year-old Boston-based think tank and a past Inc. 500 company that focuses on innovation and the future of business. He tweets from @tkspeaks.
  3. Braden Kelley
    Braden KelleyBraden Kelley is a Design Thinking, Innovation and Transformation Consultant, a popular innovation speaker and workshop leader, and helps companies plan organizational changes that are more human and less overwhelming. He is the author of two five-star books, Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire and Charting Change, and the creator of a revolutionary new Change Planning Toolkit™. Follow him on Linkedin and Twitter (@innovate).
  4. Greg Satell
    Greg SatellGreg Satell is a popular speaker and consultant. His first book, Mapping Innovation: A Playbook for Navigating a Disruptive Age, was selected as one of the best business books in 2017. Follow his blog at Digital Tonto or on Twitter @Digital Tonto.
  5. Mike Shipulski
    Mike ShipulskiMike Shipulski brings together people, culture, and tools to change engineering behavior. He writes daily on Twitter as @MikeShipulski and weekly on his blog Shipulski On Design.
  6. Phil McKinney
    Phil McKinneyPhil McKinney is the Author of “Beyond The Obvious”​, Host of the Killer Innovations Podcast and Syndicated Radio Show, a Keynote Speaker, President & CEO CableLabs and an Innovation Mentor and Coach.

  7. Soren Kaplan
    Soren KaplanSoren Kaplan is the bestselling and award-winning author of Leapfrogging and The Invisible Advantage, an affiliated professor at USC’s Center for Effective Organizations, a former corporate executive, and a co-founder of UpBOARD. He has been recognized by the Thinkers50 as one of the world’s top keynote speakers and thought leaders in business strategy and innovation.
  8. Eric Eskey
    Eric EskeyEric Eskey is a Managing Director at Strategyn, an innovation consultancy. Eric is in the business of creating the future. I aim to use the resources he has – his work, investments, voice, and imagination – to encourage innovation and defeat the hidden forces that resist it.

  9. Scott Anthony
    Scott AnthonyScott Anthony is a strategic advisor, writer and speaker on topics of growth and innovation. He has been based in Singapore since 2010, and currently serves at the Managing Director of Innosight’s Asia-Pacific operations.

  10. Kate Hammer
    Kate HammerKate Hammer is a joint founder of KILN, working with large-scale companies in the USA and Australia to transform their internal innovation processes. Kate works as a business storyteller. In 2012, she created StoryFORMs to help others articulate their commercial & organisational stories. Kate offers workshops & 1:1 coaching.

    11. Build a common language of innovation on your team

  11. Michael Graber
    Michael GraberMichael Graber is the cofounder and managing partner at Southern Growth Studio, a Memphis-based firm that specializes in growth strategy and innovation. A published poet and musician, Graber is the creative force that complements the analytical side of the house. He speaks and publishes frequently on best practices in design thinking, business strategy, and innovation and earned an MFA from the University of Memphis.
  12. Nicolas Bry
    Nicolas BryNicolas Bry is Orange Startups Studio Founder. He entices Orange employees in engaging as intrapreneurs, bringing their idea to life within Orange business. Nicolas is equally a passionate expert for innovation labs exploring new business. International speaker (TEDx), delivering Masterclasses @Google Academy, and Tech/Business Schools, ISPIM Prize for innovation management, Nicolas is Writer of RapidInnovation.fr, and of The Intrapreneurs’ Factory. Follow him at @nicobry.
  13. Paul Sloane
    Paul SloanePaul Sloane writes, speaks and leads workshops on creativity, innovation and leadership. He is the author of The Innovative Leader and editor of A Guide to Open Innovation and Crowdsourcing, both published by Kogan-Page.
  14. Yoram Solomon
    Four Rules to Snap Judge a New VentureDr. Yoram Solomon is the author of The Book of Trust and 12 more books, a TEDx and keynote speaker, the founder of the Innovation Culture Institute, and an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship. You can follow him everywhere on @yoramsolomon.
  15. Jeffrey Phillips
    Jeffrey Phillips has over 15 years of experience leading innovation in Fortune 500 companies, federal government agencies and non-profits. He is experienced in innovation strategy, defining and implementing front end processes, tools and teams and leading innovation projects. He is the author of Relentless Innovation and OutManeuver. Jeffrey writes the popular Innovate on Purpose blog. Follow him @ovoinnovation
  16. Jesse Nieminen
    Jesse NieminenJesse Nieminen is the Co-founder and Chairman at Viima, the best way to collect and develop ideas. Viima’s innovation management software is already loved by thousands of organizations all the way to the Global Fortune 500. He’s passionate about helping leaders drive innovation in their organizations and frequently writes on the topic, usually in Viima’s blog.
  17. Robert B Tucker
    Robert TuckerRobert B. Tucker is the President of The Innovation Resource Consulting Group. He is a speaker, seminar leader and an expert in the management of innovation and assisting companies in accelerating ideas to market.
  18. Shelly Greenway
    Shelly GreenwayShelly Greenway is a front-end innovation strategist and partner at The Strategy Distillery – a brand innovation consultancy that specialises in opportunity hunting and proposition development. Their success rates are driven by their proprietary consumer co-creation IP. Follow @ChiefDistiller
  19. John Bessant
    John BessantJohn Bessant has been active in research, teaching, and consulting in technology and innovation management for over 25 years. Today, he is Chair in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Research Director, at Exeter University. In 2003, he was awarded a Fellowship with the Advanced Institute for Management Research and was also elected a Fellow of the British Academy of Management. He has acted as advisor to various national governments and international bodies including the United Nations, The World Bank, and the OECD. John has authored many books including Managing innovation and High Involvement Innovation (Wiley). Follow @johnbessant
  20. Shilpi Kumar
    Shilpi KumarShilpi Kumar an inquisitive researcher, designer, strategist and an educator with over 15 years of experience, who truly believes that we can design a better world by understanding human behavior. I work with organizations to identify strategic opportunities and offer user-centric solutions.

    21. Accelerate your change and transformation success

  21. Francesco Pagano
    Franceso PaganoFrancesco Pagano, Vice President, EMEA Head of Portfolio of Licenses Brands at Fossil Group Europe, is passionate about craft brands, innovation, brand management, brand communication and international business. He is always up for irresistible product concepts, ultimate communication via integrated campaigns and great Italian food.
  22. Dimis Michaelides
    Simis MichaelidesDimis Michaelides is a keynote speaker, author, consultant and trainer in leadership, creativity and innovation. Contact him for a workshop or a presentation at dimis@dimis.org or register for his newsletter at www.dimis.org . You can also connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
  23. Greg Heist
    Greg HeistGreg Heist is the Chief Innovation Officer at Gongos, a decision intelligence company.

  24. Gijs van Wulfen
    Gijs van WulfenGijs van Wulfen helps organizations to structure the chaotic start of innovation as author, speaker and facilitator. He is the founder of the FORTH innovation method and author of the innovation bestseller The Innovation Expedition. He was chosen by LinkedIn as one of their first 150 Influencers. Follow Gijs @gijsvanwulfen

  25. Shawn Nason
    Shawn NasonShawn Nason, founder and CEO of MOFI, lives his life with a commitment to make everyone he meets a part of his family. Armed with the gift of discernment, he has the uncanny ability to walk alongside people as they struggle to connect with their deepest passions and engage their most debilitating demons. He challenges the world around him to be fully present, get real, and knock down the barrier that separates the various compartments in their lives.

  26. Pete Foley
    A twenty-five year Procter & Gamble veteran, Pete has spent the last 8+ years applying insights from psychology and behavioral science to innovation, product design, and brand communication. He spent 17 years as a serial innovator, creating novel products, perfume delivery systems, cleaning technologies, devices and many other consumer-centric innovations, resulting in well over 100 granted or published patents. Find him at pete.mindmatters@gmail.com
  27. Tamara Ghandour
    Tamara GhandourTamara Ghandour of GoToLaunchStreet is a TED speaker and entrepreneur. From building and running multimillion dollar businesses, advising Fortune 500 like Disney, Procter and Gamble and RICOH on fostering innovative ideas and people. Tamara’s life is about breaking through the status quo for game-changing results, and that’s what her keynotes, online programs and assessments can do for you.
  28. John Carter
    John CarterJohn Carter has been a widely respected adviser to technology firms over his career. John is the author of Innovate Products Faster: Graphical Tools for Accelerating Product Development. As Founder and Principal of TCGen Inc., he has advised some of the most revered technology firms in the world.
  29. Jeff Rubingh
    Jeff RubinghJeff Rubingh is a technology innovation expert, consultant and analyst. Focused on the intersection between technology and business, Jeff helps clients identify ground-breaking solutions that maximize ROI across existing and emerging technology disciplines.
  30. Ludwig Melik
    Ludwig MelikLudwig Melik is CEO of Planbox, whose mission is to help organizations thrive by transforming the culture of agile work, continuous innovation, and creativity across the entire organization… Connect with him on LinkedIn or join the conversation by following Planbox on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

    Get the Change Planning Toolkit

  31. Rachel Audige
    Rachel AudigeRachel Audige is an Innovation Architect who helps organisations embed inventive thinking as well as a certified Systematic Inventive Thinking Facilitator, based in Melbourne.

  32. Mick Simonelli
    Mick SimonelliMick Simonelli is an innovator with 20+ years of implementing change and positive disruption at USAA. As a military veteran, he held transformation roles in numerous military organizations; and as a business executive, he purposely hired vets to help launch numerous innovations as the Chief Innovation Officer for a Fortune 500 company. Mick currently serves as an innovation consultant and can be found at www.micksimonelli.com Follow @MickSimonelli

  33. Mitch Ditkoff
    Mitch Ditkoff is the Co-Founder and President of Idea Champions and the author of “Awake at the Wheel”, as well as the very popular Heart of Innovation blog.

  34. Peter Cook
    Peter CookPeter Cook leads Human Dynamics and The Academy of Rock, providing Keynotes, Organisational Development and Coaching. He is the author of seven books on business leadership. His three passions are science, business and music, having led innovation teams for 18 years to develop life-saving drugs including the first treatments for AIDS and the development of Human Insulin. Peter is Music and Business editor at Innovation Excellence. You can follow him on twitter @Academyofrock.

  35. Mukesh Gupta
    Mukesh GuptaMukesh Gupta is Director of Customer Advocacy, SAP India Private Limited. He also served as Executive Liaison for the SAP User group in India, and as a Global Lead in Sales & Business Development. He blogs, and shares podcasts and videos, on his site rmukeshgupta.com

  36. Urko Wood
    Urko WoodUrko Wood helps clients of Reveal Growth find and capitalize on the best opportunities for innovation and growth in their markets. He is one of only a handful of people in North America who are expert practitioners in the breakthrough “jobs-to-be-done” (JTBD) innovation approach that has enabled over 400 of the Fortune 1000 to generate billions of dollars in new revenue and achieve new product success rates of over 80%.

  37. Arlen Meyers
    Arlen MyersArlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs at www.sopenet.org
  38. Ralph Christian Ohr
    Ralph OhrDr. Ralph-Christian Ohr has extensive experience in product/innovation management for international technology-based companies. His particular interest is targeted at the intersection of organizational and human innovation capabilities. You can follow him on Twitter @Ralph_Ohr.
  39. David Burkus
    David BurkusDavid Burkus is a best-selling author, a sought after speaker, and associate professor of leadership and innovation at Oral Roberts University. His newest book, Friend of a Friend, offers readers a new perspective on how to grow their networks and build key connections—one based on the science of human behavior, not rote networking advice.
  40. Neil Sholay
    Neil SholayNeil Sholay is re-shaping innovation and digital experiences as a Vice President of Digital Innovation for EMEA & JAPAC at Oracle. He leads a curious, multidisciplinary team of thinkers, Ideators, strategists, designers, developers, storytellers, rebels and proud geeks, who are reshaping Innovation and digital experiences. They bring new ideas & business models to life, using co-innovation and rapid prototyping.

If your favorite didn’t make the list, then next year try to rally more votes for them or convince them to increase the quality and quantity of their contributions.

Download PDF version of Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020 list here:

Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2020 PDF

My lists from the eight previous years have been tremendously popular:

Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2012
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2013
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2014
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2015
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2016
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2017
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2018
Top 40 Innovation Bloggers of 2019

Happy New Year everyone!

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Change Leadership vs Change Management: What’s the Difference?

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Change Leadership vs Change Management: What's the Difference?

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Change management and change leadership are two terms often used interchangeably, but there are key differences between the two. Change management is focused on the implementation of a change, while change leadership is focused on inspiring, motivating, and driving the change. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential for organizations looking to successfully lead change.

Change management is the process of managing a change from its conception to its completion. It involves planning, controlling, and implementing changes in order to meet a goal or objectives. Change management focuses on the logistics of a change, such as budgeting, scheduling, communication, and resource allocation. It also focuses on the people involved, making sure they have the training and support they need to successfully complete the change.

Change leadership, on the other hand, is the process of inspiring, engaging, and guiding people through a change. It is about motivating people to buy into the change, and leading them through it. Change leadership involves understanding the needs and motivations of stakeholders, and using that knowledge to create a vision for the change. It also involves communicating the vision to stakeholders to gain their support, and providing guidance and support to help them through the change.

Change management and change leadership are both essential elements of successful change. Change management focuses on the logistics of a change, while change leadership focuses on the people involved. Together, these two components enable organizations to successfully lead change.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Evolution of Change Management

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From Top-Down to Agile Approaches

The Evolution of Change Management

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Change is an inevitable part of any organization’s growth and survival. In the past, change management strategies primarily followed a top-down approach, where leaders dictated the changes and employees were expected to comply. However, over time, as organizations faced increasing complexity and speed of change, a more agile approach to change management has emerged. This article explores the evolution of change management from top-down to agile approaches and provides two case study examples showcasing the benefits of adopting agile change practices.

The traditional top-down approach to change management involved leaders identifying the need for change, setting objectives, and then cascading the change down through the hierarchy. In this approach, employees were often not adequately involved or consulted, leading to resistance or low engagement. The lack of employee involvement also hampered creativity and innovation, with change initiatives frequently facing roadblocks and slow implementation.

Recognizing the limitations of the top-down approach, organizations began embracing agile change management methodologies, inspired by the principles derived from agile software development. The agile approach emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and iterative progress, empowering employees to actively participate in the change process. This shift enables organizations to respond swiftly to changing circumstances and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Case Study 1 – Spotify

One notable case study that highlights the effectiveness of an agile change approach is the transformation of Spotify. This music streaming giant faced the challenge of scaling rapidly while maintaining innovation and adaptability. They shifted from a traditional top-down approach to a squad-based, agile organizational structure. In their agile change management, cross-functional teams were empowered to make decisions, experiment, and continuously improve. This resulted in faster implementation of ideas, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced customer experiences.

Case Study 2 – Dutch Government

Another case study illustrating the benefits of agile change practices is the digital transformation of the Dutch government. Facing the need to modernize and improve service delivery, they adopted an agile approach to change management. Using this methodology, they formed multidisciplinary teams responsible for specific projects, involving end-users throughout the development process. By conducting frequent iterations and incorporating feedback, the Dutch government successfully rolled out digital initiatives such as the Digital Identity App and the My Belastingdienst portal. The agile change approach ensured that the final products met users’ needs and expectations, leading to improved citizen engagement and satisfaction.

The shift from top-down to agile change management approaches is driven by the understanding that employees are key stakeholders and vital sources of expertise and innovation. By involving employees throughout the change process, organizations can tap into their knowledge, unlock creativity, and improve the quality and sustainability of change initiatives. This collaborative approach results in higher levels of ownership, engagement, and commitment from employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

Conclusion

The evolution of change management from top-down to agile approaches represents a paradigm shift in how organizations navigate and embrace change. The agile approach, with its emphasis on collaboration, flexibility, and employee involvement, enables organizations to adapt swiftly in an ever-changing environment. Case studies such as Spotify and the Dutch Government’s digital transformation illustrate the positive outcomes of adopting agile change practices. Embracing agile change management not only accelerates the implementation of changes but also nurtures a culture of innovation, empowerment, and resilience in organizations.

Image credit: Pexels

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Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

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Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Over the last decade, automation technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes, allowing businesses to maximize their profits while minimizing their overhead. Automating business processes can also improve customer service, reduce risk, and increase accuracy. The benefits of automating business processes are numerous, and companies of all sizes are beginning to capitalize on them.

One of the most prominent benefits of automating business processes is improved efficiency. Automation can automate mundane tasks such as data entry or customer service inquiries, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, and can even reduce the number of steps involved in completing certain processes. Automation can also improve accuracy, as automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than humans.

Another benefit of automating business processes is cost reduction. Automation can reduce the need for manual labor, resulting in lower labor costs. Additionally, automated systems are often more efficient than manual processes, resulting in fewer resources being used and therefore lower costs. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain processes, resulting in reduced overhead costs.

Automation can also improve customer service. Automation can automate mundane tasks such as data entry or customer service inquiries, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, resulting in faster response times and better customer service. Automation can also improve accuracy, as automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than humans.

Finally, automating business processes can reduce risk. Automation can automate processes that involve risk, such as accounts receivable or payroll. Automating such processes can reduce the risk of mistakes and help ensure accuracy. Automation can also reduce the risk of data loss or theft, as automated systems are often more secure than manual processes.

Case Study – Amazon:

One company that has successfully leveraged the benefits of automation is Amazon. Amazon has automated many of its processes, from its inventory management system to its customer service platform. Automating these processes has allowed Amazon to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service. Amazon has also been able to reduce the risk of mistakes, as automated systems are less likely to make errors than humans.

Case Study – Microsoft:

Another company that has successfully leveraged the benefits of automation is Microsoft. Microsoft has automated many of its processes, from its software development process to its customer service platform. Automating these processes has allowed Microsoft to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service. Additionally, automating processes has allowed Microsoft to reduce the risk of mistakes, as automated systems are less likely to make errors than humans.

Conclusion

Overall, businesses of all sizes can benefit from automating their processes. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes, allowing businesses to maximize their profits while minimizing their overhead. Automation can also improve customer service, reduce risk, and increase accuracy. The benefits of automating business processes are numerous, and companies of all sizes are beginning to capitalize on them.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The Advantages of Investing in Employee Retention

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The Advantages of Investing in Employee Retention

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Employee retention is a key factor in the success of any business. A company that is able to retain its employees, as well as attract new ones, is more likely to succeed in the long run. Investing in employee retention is one of the best investments a company can make, as it can lead to increased profitability, improved morale, and a more productive workforce. This article looks at some of the advantages of investing in employee retention.

1. Improved Morale: Investing in employee retention can help to improve morale, as employees feel more valued and appreciated by the company. This can lead to a more positive work environment and increased productivity.

2. Increased Profitability: Retaining employees can help to reduce the costs associated with hiring and training new staff. This can lead to increased profitability, as the company is able to focus more of its resources on other areas of the business.

3. Reduced Turnover: Employee turnover can be costly for a business, as it takes time and money to recruit and train new staff. Investing in employee retention can help to reduce turnover, as employees are more likely to stay with the company if they feel valued and appreciated.

4. Improved Productivity: Retaining employees can help to improve productivity, as they are more likely to be more familiar with the company’s processes and procedures. This can help to reduce mistakes and ensure that tasks are completed more efficiently.

5. Improved Customer Service: When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to provide good customer service. This can help to improve customer satisfaction, leading to increased sales and profitability.

Investing in employee retention can be beneficial for any business, as it can help to improve morale, increase profitability, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. It is important for companies to recognize the importance of investing in their employees, as it can lead to improved overall business performance.

To illustrate the value of employee retention, consider the case of Google. The company has long been committed to investing in its employees and offering competitive wages, benefits, and perks. This commitment to its employees has paid off in the form of increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and high levels of employee retention. Google’s retention rate is currently at 95%, and the company attributes this to its commitment to employee development, career growth, and a positive work culture.

Another example of an organization that has benefited from investing in employee retention is Amazon. The company has a retention rate of over 95%, with employees staying with the company an average of four to five years. Amazon focuses on creating an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and learning. The company also offers competitive salaries, generous benefits, and flexible working arrangements.

In conclusion, investing in employee retention can have numerous benefits for any organization. It can reduce recruitment costs, boost morale, and save money in the long run. Organizations should focus on creating an environment that values employees and provides them with opportunities for growth. Companies such as Google and Amazon have seen the advantages of investing in employee retention and have reaped the rewards.

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What is in a Project Charter?

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What is in a Project Charter?

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

A project charter is an essential document used to define a project and ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page. It outlines the project’s purpose, goals, timelines, resources, and responsibilities, and serves as the foundation for successful project execution.

The most important element of a project charter is the scope. This section defines the scope of the project in terms of what will be done, the objectives to be achieved, and the deliverables expected. It also identifies any constraints or limitations that may affect the project.

The project charter also outlines the timeline and milestones for the project. This section lays out the start and end dates, as well as any major milestones, such as the completion of certain tasks or the delivery of specific deliverables.

The project charter also includes the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders. This section outlines who is responsible for what, and who has authority over which decisions. It also defines the communication process between the stakeholders and outlines the decision-making process.

The resources section of the project charter lists the resources required to complete the project, such as personnel, materials, and equipment. It also outlines the budget for the project, including any costs associated with the resources.

Finally, the project charter includes the risks and assumptions associated with the project. This section identifies potential risks, such as changes in scope, resource constraints, or political changes, and outlines how they will be addressed. It also outlines any assumptions made during the project planning process.

A project charter is an important document that helps ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page and that the project is properly defined and managed. It outlines the scope, timeline, roles and responsibilities, resources, and risks and assumptions associated with the project, and serves as the foundation for successful project execution.

SPECIAL BONUS: You can get your very own copy of the Visual Project Charter™ for FREE for use as 35″x56″ giant poster or as a background to use in Miro, Mural, Lucidspark, Microsoft Whiteboard, Google Jamboard, etc. The Visual Project Charter™ was
created by Braden Kelley to help project managers set up their projects for greater success by beginning their project management efforts in a more visual, collaborative way.

The Visual Project Charter™ helps organizations:

  • Move beyond the Microsoft Word document
  • Make the creation of Project Charters more fun!
  • Kickoff projects in a more collaborative, more visual way
  • Structure dialogue to capture the project overview, project scope, project conditions and project approach

Image credit: Unsplash

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What is the Cost of a Failed Change Initiative or Innovation Project?

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What is the Cost of a Failed Change Initiative or Innovation Project?

by Braden Kelley

It seems like a simple question.

One that you would expect to lead to some risk mitigation behavior, but it doesn’t.

And when you consider that companies are spending an increasing amount of their budget on technology and working to transform their operations to be more digital in order to provide a better experience for customers, employees, partners and suppliers while simultaneously creating a more efficient and effective business, you would think that companies would do everything possible to make sure that these projects succeed, but they don’t.

Everyone knows that a lot of technology projects fail to achieve their intended objectives, timings, and budgets. This fact and the increasing investment levels should cause more executives to look for ways to de-risk these technology investments in digitizing the business, but they’re not.

Why is that?

Are we really so afraid of learning new ways of doing things that would dramatically reduce the risk and expense of project failures that we will continue using the old ways even though we know they don’t work?

Even though there are incredibly inexpensive and easy ways of reducing both the risk of project failures and the cost of project execution, patterns of behavior are not changing…

Perhaps you see the world differently.

Perhaps you’re fed up with project failures and want to increase the speed of both change execution and change adoption.

Consider answering these five simple questions before spending a single minute on your next innovation project, change initiative, or digital transformation effort:

  1. How much is an hour of your time worth to the company you work for? (multiply this by the number of hours you expect to invest in this project or initiative)
  2. What is the fully-loaded monetary value of the time that employees are going to spend on this project or initiative?
  3. How much do you pay to a single contract project manager to spin up a project before the first minute of actual work begins? Over the life of the project?
  4. How much are you planning to spend with consulting companies on this project or initiative?
  5. How much are you planning to spend on contractors to staff this project or initiative?

Get access to the Change Planning Toolkit for less than $100Have you got the numbers in your mind?

Now, are any of these numbers $100 or more?

I’m sure they are, unless of course you’re going to do the project yourself in less than an hour and don’t value your time very much.

So, what if I told you that for less than $100 you could plan and execute your change initiatives, innovation projects and transformation investments in a much more visual and collaborative way and simultaneously reduce the chances of project failure and the cost of executing your project?

Well, you can. You just have to be willing to challenge orthodoxies and use a new set of tools, a new approach, that will feel very natural and empowering if you’re already comfortable with the Business Model Canvas, Lean, Design Thinking, or the Lean Startup.

All you need to get started is a copy of my latest book Charting Change and a $99.99/yr license for the Change Planning Toolkit™ (which comes with a QuickStart Guide). In exchange you’ll get tools worth more than $1,200 and will help to support the creation of the Human-Centered Innovation Toolkit™.

It’s as simple as that.

And to get you started if you’re still unsure, go ahead and grab the 10 Free Downloads and the poster-size Visual Project Charter™ and the poster-size Experiment Canvas™ from the under-construction Human-Centered Innovation Toolkit™.

Let’s change change and keep innovating – together!


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