Offering Change on a Tech Transformation isn’t Easy
With over 25 years of leading enablement and change management in tech, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard, “Oh, ANYONE can lead change.” Each time, I do my best to keep my poker face—but, let’s just be honest, I’m still working on it! So, today, let’s take a few deep breaths and dive into why having a dedicated, experienced team of change practitioners is absolutely critical for driving successful tech transformations. Trust me, it’s not something to leave to just anyone.
THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE
As I've mentioned before, supporting your clients with change isn't just about sending a few emails or sharing a PowerPoint deck. Industry studies show that a tailored, full lifecycle change strategy boosts the likelihood of hitting business goals to an impressive 93%. This means higher client satisfaction, stronger relationships, and positioning your service partner as a trusted advisor for the long haul. It's a win-win!
The idea that anyone can lead these critical change efforts, especially in tech transformations, is a risky misconception. Without the right expertise, you're setting yourself up for resistance, poor engagement, and low adoption—all leading to failed projects and wasted resources. The truth? Successful change demands specialized skills and a dedicated, experienced team of change practitioners to effectively lead the people side of transformation.
BEYOND THE OBVIOUS: THE UNEXPECTED BENEFITS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Here’s a game-changer you might not know: A change practitioner takes on unofficially vital roles that are absolutely key to the success of every project!
Change
Lead
Successful technology transformations are not just about the tech itself but about ensuring that people are onboard, understand the vision, and are motivated to adopt the changes. Skilled change practitioners know how to guide this process, improving adoption and reducing resistance, which directly impacts project success.
Human Dynamics
Leading a tech transformation is more than just understanding the tech-stack; it’s about guiding people through change, building trust, and influencing behaviors. Skilled change practitioners use emotional intelligence to understand these human factors—unlocking the true power of technology and driving success.
Strategic Alignment
Technology transformations often bring together diverse teams with varying needs and priorities. Skilled change practitioners serve as stakeholder managers, aligning everyone—from the project team to key stakeholders—ensuring they’re all aligned, committed to the vision, and driving the success of the transformation.
Project
Leader
Skilled change leaders are also top-notch project managers, ensuring the people side of the transformation is well-handled while hitting key milestones and deadlines on time.
Disruption
Guide
A skilled change practitioner guides clients through the adoption curve, preparing them for potential obstacles and roadblocks at each stage, and helping them navigate successfully through the transformation.
Agile
Change
Lead
Projects often take unexpected turns, but an experienced change practitioner knows how to pivot the change plan smoothly, keeping things on track with minimal disruption and ensuring success.
Adaptation Lead
Every client faces unique challenges, but a skilled change practitioner tailors solutions to fit those specific needs, drawing on deep knowledge and experience to make it work.
QA Tester
The change practitioner designs instructional materials with the end-user in mind, spotting glitches and refining process flows. Unlike a QA Tester, they take an end-to-end, user-focused approach, offering valuable insights that help the dev team fine-tune the experience.
THE ROI OF A DEDICATED CHANGE TEAM
Studies show that projects with a dedicated change strategy and experienced change professionals can see an ROI as high as 6:1. That means for every dollar spent, you could be getting back six! Not to mention, a 65% retention rate with your valued clients. In short, a dedicated, skilled change team isn’t optional—it’s essential!
READY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?
Ready to increase your client success 6x and create a long-lasting partnership with a change practice and dedicated change team? But not sure how to get started? I get it—starting a change practice can feel daunting, but guess what? You’re not alone. I’m here to help! Book some time with me, and let’s talk about how we can make this transformation happen together!
