STORIES & SOLUTIONS FOR THE MODERN BUSINESS USER

It often takes crisis to illuminate trends and challenges that are already shaping the market. The pandemic accelerated government innovation and is likely to have lasting effect, including the reimagining of how public services are accessed in a more equitable, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Many government services have moved online, such as the written portion of driving tests, court hearings, filing bills electronically in congress. While first done as emergency response, many digital processes and a hybrid work model have a good chance of sticking around. For example, United States Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. “Seve” Wilson said one third of its workforce will continue working remotely.

Many organizations often struggle with transformational change and police departments are no different. Unlike other large organizations, police departments usually do not have an internal communications function within their leadership structure. Most will have a Public Information Office (PIO) or media relations specialist, but no role devoted solely to internal communications. The lack of such a role can hinder transformational change, whether it is technology based or organizational in nature. Furthermore, the lack of an internal communications role within any organization often points to a lack of a strategic approach to communications in general.

When the pandemic forced the country to stay home, government stakeholders immediately realized that their legacy systems had left them ill-equipped to keep up with the demand for constituent services and implement protocols to reduce risks to public health and safety.

For many organizations, a cloud ERP system keeps things on track and streamlines existing processes. Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority is no exception. The airport authority includes Memphis International Airport, which is the largest cargo airport in North America and second largest cargo airport in the world.

Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to sit down with Jeff Brown and Jason Wood from Avaap (formerly Navigator Management Partners). Avaap is an Alteryx partner and they are currently working with the state of Ohio to help run the InnovateOhio Platform.

Navigating change management in any sector presents challenges such as maintaining employee engagement or training and communication. Regardless of sector, the overarching goals of change management are to increase the likelihood of project success and minimize risk and disruption. Implementing change management in the public sector does, however, come with some unique challenges.