Three Keys to Digital Transformation Priorities, Change Management in Cloud Software Deployments, Top Interviews of 2023
Jan 3, 2024
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Consultant Kyler Cheatham and change management expert Brad Feakes discuss digital transformation priorities, challenges in cloud software deployments, change management strategies, and top interviews of 2023. They cover IBM's acquisitions, ERP implementation, user adaptation to cloud solutions, and overcoming resistance in digital transformations.
Moving to cloud solutions requires extensive retraining and user adjustment.
Web UI upgrades and SaaS migrations present different challenges and resistance levels.
ERP hygiene and engaged user communities are crucial for successful upgrades.
Adapting to cloud solutions may feel like a re-implementation, requiring adequate training.
Facilitation in project management improves collaboration and project effectiveness.
Understanding team dynamics and fostering accountability are key in managing change resistance.
Deep dives
The Impact of Cloud Migrations on Organizations
Moving from on-premises solutions to cloud solutions presents challenges as user interactions may significantly change, requiring extensive retraining and adjustment. The assumption that cloud solutions are easier to use does not always align with the end user's perception, leading to disruptions and learning curves. Organizations must value each employee's learning curve and seek ways to reduce the challenges associated with the transition.
Differences Between Web-Based and SaaS Models
Web-based interfaces and SaaS models are often associated due to marketing strategies, but they present different challenges. Web UI transitions entail surfacing differences, understanding mitigation strategies, and ensuring ERP hygiene with strong user communities. Resistance can differ between web UI upgrades and SaaS migrations, requiring careful consideration of each organization's readiness for change.
ER Hygiene and User Engagement in Upgrades
ERP hygiene, characterized by the strength of user communities, user engagement, and business orientation towards the system, plays a vital role in successful upgrades. Super users and engaged business stakeholders help in surfacing issues, troubleshooting solutions, and cross-training users. A business-centric approach to ERP adoption fosters smoother transitions and reduces employee resistance to change.
Addressing Differences in User Experience
Upgrading from on-premises to cloud solutions can be perceived as a re-implementation due to significant changes in user interfaces and functionalities. Adopting new cloud-based systems requires adapting to differences, customization challenges, and ensuring a smooth transition for the end users. Providing adequate training, feedback mechanisms, and support can alleviate user concerns and facilitate a seamless migration process.
How to Become a Better Project Manager
In a detailed discussion with Eric Kimberling, Adrian Gerdler emphasizes the importance of facilitation in project management. He highlights the need for mastering meeting facilitation and brainstorming facilitation to ensure productive project meetings. Gerdler stresses the role of a project manager as a facilitator of brainstorming sessions to bridge gaps between business requirements and software development, fostering collaboration and effective project execution.
Digital Strategy: Theory vs. Reality
Dr. Scott Jancy and Eric delve into the theory versus reality of digital transformation in Episode 115. Highlighting the disconnect between classroom theories and real-world challenges, they underscore the importance of inquisitiveness and a servant mentality in the digital transformation team. They emphasize the need for team members to possess a holistic view, understanding how different functions interconnect and engaging in end-to-end process workshops to foster a comprehensive understanding of organizational processes.
Importance of Change Management in Cloud Migrations
Brad Feek sheds light on the significance of change management in cloud migrations during a compelling conversation. Stressing the role of project managers as facilitators, he discusses the importance of conducting efficient and purpose-driven meetings to keep projects on track. Feek emphasizes the need for project managers to address challenges effectively and create a culture of collaboration and transparency within project teams.
Navigating Resistance to Change in Cloud Migrations
In a candid discussion with Eric, Brad Feek explores strategies for navigating resistance to change in cloud migrations. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Feek highlights the value of understanding team dynamics and addressing challenges proactively. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and fostering a culture of accountability to drive successful project outcomes.
Balancing Strategic Vision and Practical Execution
Dr. Scott Janky and Eric delve into the delicate balance between strategic vision and practical execution in digital transformation initiatives. They discuss the need for project teams to possess a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of real-world projects effectively. Janky emphasizes the role of inquisitiveness, open-mindedness, and collaborative spirit in driving successful digital transformation outcomes.
Avoiding a Bad Process Driving Technology
In the podcast episode, it is emphasized not to let bad processes dictate the technology implementation. The discussion highlights the importance of rethinking and improving existing processes before integrating new technology to ensure a successful outcome. The example of not putting 'lipstick on a pig' is used to illustrate the point that processes should be evaluated and redesigned rather than simply automated.
Customization and Fit for Purpose
The conversation touches on the importance of customizing technology solutions to fit the specific needs and scale of an organization. An example is shared where a $60 million company implemented a software solution meant for a larger enterprise, resulting in inefficiencies. The analogy of cutting the end off a roast without knowing the reason behind the tradition highlights the need for understanding and questioning established practices.
Challenging Existing Processes and Embracing Change
The podcast underlines the significance of questioning and challenging existing processes and methodologies within organizations. It stresses the importance of evaluating processes, embracing change, and ensuring that change is respected within the workforce. The discussion emphasizes the need to align processes with business outcomes, consider the appetite for change, and approach change management with respect and understanding for all stakeholders involved.
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews:
Three Keys to Digital Transforation Priorities, Q&A (Kyler Cheatham, Third Stage Consulting)
Change Management in Cloud Software Deployments (Brad Feakes , EstesaGroup)
Top Interviews of 2023 (Various Guests)
We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
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