Have you ever heard the expression, “What have you done for me lately?” I’m sure you have. We all have, and it’s never been more true than in an evolving field such as Change Management. As the first topic of a three part series on building an OCM practice, I’d like to focus on this critical aspect for success.
As we all know, Change Management and its rightful application is a key component for any successful project. It’s people actually using the new system or process that brings value, and it’s our job to make that happen. Change practitioners know it. Business leaders, whose users are likely the ones impacted by the change, know it. Many technical experts, despite their focus on technology deliverables, know it.
BUT, if OCM isn’t done well, meaning our communications don’t hit the right audiences, they fall on deaf ears or miss the mark, and our training is ineffective, money spent on OCM is wasted. Another phrase you’ve probably heard before is, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”
I’ve seen it time and time again, and in fact, have experienced it myself. Poor change management work on a project will prevent you from getting invited back to the table for the next project. This is especially true at the outset of building your practice, where you don’t have any credibility to fall back on.
On the other hand, performing Change Management activities on the first project well (and maybe better than well) will turn heads. Leaders and users alike will notice the difference. I had a client once tell me, “Not only did your team communicated well about project concerns, but you changed the company’s whole perception of IT!” Now that’s what I’m talking about. That’s Change Management done well, and that will get you invited back.
If you’re building a practice as a consultant, great projects are worth far more than the revenue generated on that project. Good work will lead to more work at that client, and word will travel fast throughout your organization about the value you and your team brought, giving you the chance to get introduced on other accounts. The same principle holds if you’re building a practice internally within a corporation. Each and every project will done well will allow you to build your brand and earn you the right to participate on the next project.
What are you waiting for? Actions always speak louder than words. Go out and do your work with the passion, energy and effort that you have for Change Management, and let the results speak for themselves and take you to the next level.