A well mobilised change programme creates the conditions for success.
We’ve all seen it happen. With pressure from stakeholders to see change happen, the temptation is to quickly get started on delivery. However, if this is done without the right preparation, there is a risk that chaos will ensue as the consequences become evident with symptoms such as:
- The team being busy but with little real progress being made
- Frequent changes of decisions about the programme direction
- Uncertainty about what is landing, and when
- Confusion over accountabilities and responsibilities
- Lack of ownership, with people disengaging
- Costs escalating or benefits eroding
Business leaders have to take responsibility for ensuring that the right conditions for successful change are established from the outset.
The conditions for success we establish
Clarity: Well defined vision and business outcomes with clear measures of success
Sponsorship: A single authority with the accountability for the change
Buy-in: All key stakeholders committed to the change and their role in it
Roadmap: A clear view on the steps and timescale of the journey ahead
Governance: Arrangements that allow effective and rapid decision-making
Capability: Required skills, experience and capacity for the challenge ahead
Funding: Commitment to the required funds being available at the right time
Organisation: Clear structure, roles and responsibilities along with agreed ways of working
Business ownership: Engagement of the people who will champion, embed and sustain the change and drive out the benefits
Benefits: Clarity on how these will be enabled, and robustness and objectivity regarding the value
HOW WE DO IT
Get clarity
Clarify and get approval for the pressure for change, ownership, vision, outcomes and business case.
Define the journey
Define the high-level operating model and roadmap and what it will take to get there.
Establish the programme
Establish the structure, capability and governance to begin delivery.
PROPER MOBILISATION WILL LEAD TO:
- A team that is focused on driving progress at pace and with confidence
- Stakeholders supporting the programme with real passion and commitment
- Effective management of the risks and challenges that will inevitably arise
- Greater predictability of delivery and likelihood of realising the benefits
- No major surprises