1. Change is hard
We all know the story: The project, which will undoubtedly be the greatest thing in the history of projects, and that has been kicking around for months (sometimes years), finally gets funding approval. The goals are laid out, the sponsor signs on, the project lead starts assembling the teams and the evangelizing begins. But, once the lucky beneficiaries of this wondrous new project get wind of its impending implementation, something starts to happen…slowly at first but then with great ferocity: Resistance. The truth is every successful project means that some things will change: Processes, systems, jobs, lives. While resistance needs to be dealt with, a little humanity goes a long way. Communication (big surprise) is key. But most important: Tone matters. You will always have die-hard resisters. Part of your job is to explain the benefits to the majority in a way that engages them; building trust and credibility…which will help ensure the success of the project. It may sound obvious, but it seems so easy to forget: The end-user is your customer. And, some of them realize that your appearance means the end of life as they know it. Treat them with respect and understand that some of them are frightened. And remember, at this point in the project, you need them more then they need you. Of course there are other places, besides the user community, where resistance can come from. But that discussion is for another day.
Jeff Lowell
If you missed it, click for the INTRO. To easily see all of the current posts in contiguous reverse order (newest to oldest), click on the "10 Observations" link under the Categories heading in the sidebar on the right side of the page. Be sure to catch the next chapter: 2. Parlez vous YSTIST?
I want to encourage everyone who reads this post to add comments (that tiny link at the very bottom of the post) and share their experiences as well. Oh, and please feel free to re-post and share (please use the buttons provided for LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook). If you're interested in doing a guest post or want to present an alternative view, contact me.
Jeff Lowell
If you missed it, click for the INTRO. To easily see all of the current posts in contiguous reverse order (newest to oldest), click on the "10 Observations" link under the Categories heading in the sidebar on the right side of the page. Be sure to catch the next chapter: 2. Parlez vous YSTIST?
I want to encourage everyone who reads this post to add comments (that tiny link at the very bottom of the post) and share their experiences as well. Oh, and please feel free to re-post and share (please use the buttons provided for LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook). If you're interested in doing a guest post or want to present an alternative view, contact me.
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