The Two Things that Drive Organizational Change.
In all my years of helping organizations implement significant change, there was always one of two factors present when the entire organization would rise to the challenge to bring about change.
I'm not talking about a minor change.
I'm talking about redirecting resources, changing project schedules, and adopting a new operational model. I'm talking permanent, lasting change.
As an IT leader who is expected to be an agent of change, wouldn't it be useful to know what these factors are?
The two factors that will ensure that organizations will support change are:
- Fortuitous disaster,
- Timely legislation
In the case of disasters, we may not have any warning but when they strike, it is important to restore services as quickly as possible.
In the case of legislation, there is usually warning, but the impetus to actually do anything is predicated on being caught not in compliance. There's nothing like an audit to spur organizations into action.
I don't mean to wish bad destructive events or bureaucracy on anyone (but then I am repeating myself) but both things can happen at any time and are certainly not part of our project Gantt chart.
The wise IT leader has learned to leverage these events and use them to their organization's advantage.
This is not about taking advantage of insurance coverage. Rather, it is about seizing the opportunity to get some key decisions made quickly while everyone's attention is focused on resolving the issue , whether it is a flood or an audit.
You will never have a better time to get key decisions made about such things as disaster recovery options, electronic record management, compliance, employee skill sets, documentation, and a whole host of other topics.
Have a bucket list ready.
Know what you would do if disaster hit. How would you rebuild? Would it be identical to what you have now? What would be different?
Know the gaps in your compliance. I know that most organizations would publicly state they are always in full compliance with ALL legislation, the people in the trenches know about the work-arounds and current practices that would likely be picked up in an audit.
If you are prepared, then you can call disasters 'fortuitous' and legislation 'timely'.... because you know that all the key decision makers are waiting for you to tell them what needs to be done from a technology perspective.
How about you? Have you found disasters to be fortuitous?
________________________________________________________________________________
Image: Licensed under Creative Commons
Note: This post has been previously published by the author on LinkedIn.
About the Author:
I'm the Chief Information Officer for Appleby College, in Oakville, Ontario Canada, where my team is transforming the delivery of education through innovative application of technology.
I'm convinced that IT leadership needs to dramatically change how IT is delivered rather than being relegated to a costly overhead department.
In addition to transforming IT in my role as CIO, I look for every opportunity to talk about this... writing, speaking and now blogging on BeBee (https://www.bebee.com/@kevin-pashuk) , LinkedIn, ITWorld Canada, or at TurningTechInvisible.com.
I also shoot things... with my camera. Check out my photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/kwpashuk
Articles from Kevin Pashuk
View blogI've often shared the story of one of most productive meetings I've ever been part of. · Early in my ...
The best advice I ever received when I was looking to start a consulting business was this: · “To gu ...
I'm a nice guy. · Or at least I've been told. · I do have things that make me unique. · I'm musical ...
Related professionals
You may be interested in these jobs
-
Manager, Reconciliation
Found in: beBee S2 CA - 2 weeks ago
Canadian Western Bank Edmonton, Canada Full timeAt CWB , we strive to build value for the people who choose us every day: our people, our clients and our investors. We do this by:Putting people first and building relationships with intention · Seeking out and embracing new ideas · Believing that how we do things is as importa ...
-
conseiller.ère en bâtiment
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 day ago
CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest Delson, Canada Permanent- temps completDescription · : DESCRIPTION · Personne qui assume la responsabilité de la réalisation des projets de construction, de rénovation, de conservation et d'aménagement d'installations. Elle rencontre les clients internes afin de bien cerner les objectifs reliés au projet. · Elle orga ...
-
Dental Nurse
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 6 days ago
Military Medical Personnel Windsor, CanadaDental Nurse - Windsor Dental Centre - hours · Ref : LS6275 · Dental · Start Date :ASAP · End Date :29 Mar 2024 · Dental Nurse - Essential Requirements: · •Fully registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) without restrictions. · •Must hold valid suitable and appropriat ...
Comments
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #6
There is a great difference Erroll -EL- Warner between how things SHOULD be vs. how they really are. My advice is for my colleagues in organizations that are hindered by their decision making ability. Leveraging the dynamics of a disaster or legislation to get decisions made is a very useful tool in the toolbox. Thanks for commenting.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #5
Fully agree Carolyn Kiel!
Mohammed Abdul Jawad
7 years ago #4
Gert Scholtz
7 years ago #3
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #2
Randy Keho
7 years ago #1