Episode D.036 Successful Change Management Starts with People

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Introduction
Even though the new quarter doesn't start until Wednesday, we are jumping into it with both feet. BTW - that is also the theme for July - Being Agile. Two quick reasons for this theme now. First is we are in new territory when it comes to the economy, social factors, government action and how it is affecting our ability to run a profitable business. The second is how it matches with our previous emphasis around building a "Lean Organization'. The difference is simple - Agile is a mindset that uses the principles of Lean to succeed in unstable times.

Show Objectives
Companies in all industries are going through an unprecedented amount of both business and strategic change. Taking an Agile approach is key to navigating through this change. If your company does not currently operate using an Agile methodology, now is the time to get your teams on board and begin Agile Transformation. 

Agile Transformation is about forming high-performance teams who apply agile principles in its processes, structure and people development activities. Removing the things that get in the way of accomplishing these things leads to Agile Transformation. Without the proper approach and implementation of these change initiatives, companies are at risk of losing more than just money, but their talent, too.

What You Need to Know
To achieve Agile Transformation and change management success, you need to have the right communication plan in place to drive change effectively. Poor communication can derail the most well-planned, well-intentioned change programs. Your people need to be updated continually and there needs to be clear and constant communication with everyone in the company. 

Here are a few things to remember when implementing a communication strategy.

1. Articulate and continually focus on the “why.”
2. Take an employee-centric view
3. Reinforce the idea that Agile Transformation is a Process
4. Measure, adjust and reinforce
5. Break projects into short cycles 

Develop an Agile Strategy
Develop an Agile Transformation strategy by knowing where your organization is today and where you need to go. Consider what your company values are in terms of planning.

Try to balance predictability with adaptability. Then consider what your customer’s value is from a planning perspective. Are you trying to figure out what your customer wants and needs or are you focused on making and meeting commitments?
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Stay alert for these possible disruptors during Agile Transformation:

1. Because there is less planning time detailed planning templates are less useful
2. There is less opportunity to formalize and standardize
3. There is more immediate disruption, and disruption is constant. This leads to more resistance which must be planned for and managed earlier
4. Agile Leaders must be able to make judgment calls rapidly and often, rather than relying on templates and tools

What You Need to Do
The most important factor to a company’s change management success revolves around people. Everyone must be on board. Leadership in charge of the changes must embrace Agile Transformation first and then influence their employees to do the same. 

Follow these steps when implementing Agile Transformation with your teams:

1. Build a Strong Leadership Team
2. Define the End State Vision
3. Build a Transformation Roadmap
4. Maintain a Rolling 90-day Plan
5. Conduct 30-day Checkpoints
6. Adapt, Adjust & Learn
7. Connect Activity to Outcomes
8. Connect Outcomes to Business Objectives
9. Manage Communication at ALL levels
10. Create Safe environment for Everyone Involved