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There is Always a Beginning and Today is It

3/6/2014

10 Comments

 
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Today is my very first day of blogging. It’s a fantastic spring day, and I’m working on some interesting projects that impact employees and citizens alike.

I help guide change, and to do so, use some key guiding Change Management principles.  Currently, I am working on Business Analysis, ICT Functional Requirements, and Roadmap projects for clients. They all involve a “team.”

Here are some key approaches for various projects in roles of Change Management, Business Analysis, Project Design, and Project Management that I’ve used. They seem to work well:

1)    Listen to your client’s needs or what they think they need. Sometimes the latter does not equal the former. Listening is where it all begins.

2)    Ask them key questions around their needs (or perceived needs). If it’s not clear to them, then it won’t be clear to you or to the team. By asking the following questions, you will help your client(s) refine and clearly define their requirements for a successful project implementation and rollout:

a.    What it is they want to achieve?
b.    Why they want to do the project?
c.     Who is involved? Core team members (including Sponsor)?
d.    Do they have the budget?
e.    Who will be impacted?
f.     How will they be impacted?
g.    What tools will they provide to those who are impacted to manage the change and adapt?
h.    Do they have enough time to successfully implement the project and accompanying changes?
i.     What are the desired outcome(s), and how they can be measured?
j.     What is the expected Return on Investment (ROI), and is it reasonable (timeframe and expected savings in efficiency improvements)?
k.    What is the benefit for the organization, staff and clients alike? Short term, medium-term, and long term.
l.     Do you have the authority and support to do your work?

3)    Engage key team members early and often. This will make them part of the process, giving them a sense of ownership: they will be influencing outcomes, and will have an increased desire to succeed.

4)    Ensure rolls and responsibilities are clearly defined.

5)    Manage the project: timelines, budget, and deliverables.

6)    Be humble, yet firm. Your work is to help your client succeed. If they succeed, you succeed.

I’d love to hear what core approaches you have to help your clients succeed.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my first blog post.

- Suzie


10 Comments
Frik
4/6/2014 05:40:54 am

Sound principles if used together.

Reply
Suzie K
5/6/2014 01:15:50 am

Thank you for your comments Frik. Much appreciated. Agreed, the key is to use them together, as well as being able to measure the short, medium, and long-term value (ROI) with solid performance measures.

Reply
JNG
4/6/2014 07:53:28 am

Good job Suzanne! I'm a new client!

Reply
Suzie
5/6/2014 01:16:33 am

JNG, thanks very much!

Reply
RWF
5/6/2014 01:14:38 am

Very insightful. I look forward to reading your future posts. Happy Blogging.

Reply
Suzie
5/6/2014 01:17:30 am

RWF, thank you for your comments and for the encouragement.

Reply
Stephen Doiron link
7/6/2014 04:06:46 am

Thanks Suzie. You identify some great questions in your post that often don't get asked by consultants especially in the initial stages of a change project. I look froward to reading future post from you.

Reply
Suzie
9/6/2014 03:12:04 pm

Stephen, I see that you're a fellow CM specialist. I appreciate your comments on asking critical questions early in the project process.

Many overlook the integral value that CM practices bring when leading a project, even when not at the "Change Management Helm." Change Management principles must be applied. For larger scale projects, a Chang Management Lead on the project team with Project Management Lead and sponsor is essential.

Reply
Rafah DiCostanzo
26/10/2014 02:27:01 am

Very useful to identify these steps, I have often used some/all of these steps in the past and with my new projects, but I have never made a checklist to make sure all these steps have been followed! this is very helpful.
You have always impressed me with your analytical thinking, great writing skills and ability to express your thoughts very well....and let's not forget your exceptional interpersonal skills.
I look forward to your next blog!

Reply
Suzie
26/10/2014 04:44:57 am

Rafah,

Your words are too kind. You've been involved in developing some very beneficial projects - and I am keen to follow progress on your next one. Your energy and entrepreneurial mind lend themselves positively to your projects, that I know for sure.

Reply



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    Author

    ​For over 20 years, I've had the good fortunate to work with and for great clients and wonderful mentors on: problem solving, organization design, ICT transformations, change, policy, and managing projects.

    ​My latest endeavours involved initiatives in supply chain, cloud certification (process transformation), health and transportation.

    ​Lots of change, lots!


    I listen.
    I engage.
    I guide…
     teams so they can lead themselves to success. 

    AvisoGroup Inc.

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