In 1964, 60 years ago, Gilligan’s Island premiered on television. It told a tale of a fateful three-hour boat tour that did not go as planned, despite having an experienced skipper, a first mate, a professor, a millionaire, as well as other passengers with unique talents. It was not until the shipwrecked passengers were able to grab the attention of the Coast Guard that they were rescued. The sitcom gave us funny moments and still serves as a reminder of the importance of planning, leadership, collaboration, innovation, and using all the tools necessary to successfully navigate the (ocean) current.
Like the S.S. Minnow, organizations have skilled leaders and employees who are experts in their fields, but most have never been part of a project with the size, scope, and impact of a digital transformation. Success rates for digital transformation efforts only sit around 35%. When embarking on a digital transformation, while it is critical to have the right team to lead the technical aspects of the project, it is equally as important to ensure that the people side of the transformation is thoughtfully planned and executed.
As you think about your next transformation, we encourage you to consider these major areas to ensure your team is properly equipped to navigate change.
PLANNING THE VOYAGE
A large focus of your change management plan should hinge on stakeholder engagement. Involving stakeholders in the change process helps them understand the shared vision and how the project will affect them, making individuals more likely to be invested. It is important to lead change with empathy, engaging diverse stakeholder groups using methods that resonate with and support each group throughout their journey.
CHARTING THE COURSE
Understand that clear communication is key in any change effort. Decide on how best to communicate your change company-wide to make sure everyone understands the objective, the importance of the project succeeding and the benefits to the business. Set out the timelines, reassure staff that they will be adequately supported, and that everyone will win as a result of the change. Leaders need to layer communications for the organization to enhance desire and promote knowledge building.
ACTIVATING THE CREW
Learn how to incorporate and empower organizational change champions and influencers to drive change in a digital transformation. These leaders can help employees and end users realize the ideal future state for the organization and drive home the benefits of the change.
RAISING THE SAILS
Learn how to create meaningful small group and individual training and reinforcement sessions to support and accelerate adoption. Preparing, supporting, and equipping employees with the tools and information they need during and after the change is critical to drive adoption.
READING THE BAROMETER
Complete an organizational assessment and ensure culture considerations are top of mind when building your change plan. Recognize the need to monitor the climate and conditions throughout the business and how these factors are impacting the institution, the stakeholders, and the project.
As evidenced on Rescue from Gilligan’s Island, even with a skilled and passionate team, you need a trusted partner who has the right experience and tools to support you in achieving your goals.
Avaap’s experts work side-by-side with you to transform your organization through the individual change journeys of your people. We do this by employing a research-based change management approach that is comprehensive, multi-faceted, and iterative. The Avaap Change Approach™ moves beyond communication and training, and purposefully engaging people throughout the implementation, assesses the organization, leverages champions within the organization that can drive change, and monitors the resistance and adoption of the change efforts.
Want to learn more? Reach out today to discuss your organization’s digital transformation journey!