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Ever been involved in projects where solutions are deployed and the change impact analysis hasn't been clearly considered; instead a drive to implement the solution without regard to how this will impact the organisation's eco system? It is imperative to ensure the change impact is clearly understood, from every angle, giving you more insight into the adoption of your new solution.
In today's blog, I will explore the environmental factors as well as some methodologies that can assist you learn more about the impacts.
Environmental Factors
When undertaking a change impact analysis, it is important to cast your net wide to understand the drivers, enablers, levers and players of the change to be implemented. Don't just think of these important people from an internal perspective, understand the external eco system as well - customers, vendors, suppliers, regulators, etc...the whole value chain. Let's take a look at the roles:
Drivers are the senior people who will lead the change and have some "skin in the game" for the change to be successful. These people will provide vision, direction and [of course] drive
Enablers are the people charged with the responsibility of working through the mechanics of implementing the changes. They will map out what is changing and work with the people in the eco systems to realise the change
Levers are the people spread out throughout the eco system that will support the change to be implemented. These people will give you contextual leadership to ensure the change is implemented successfully from the Enablers and the Players perspective
Players are the people impacted, needing clear guidance on how to operate in the new environment
Knowing your role and the role of others, will ensure you access the right people, at the right time.
Methodologies
So, there are many methodologies around that you can tap into, to ensure you capture the necessary details of the change; to then understand the strategies and tactics you need to undertake. This exercise is critical from a change management perspective, as you will learn what is changing; to deliver the right activities, through the right channels. Here are a few of my favourites:
SIPOC or Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers is a Six Sigma approach to analysing current and future states. This approach gives you a richness of data that understands what will be changed and how by your Levers and Players.
Value Stream Mapping will provide you with a great visual of the change. This will also provide data on the pain points that people experience currently and how these pain points will be addressed - a solution that addresses pain points is a powerful for your eco system.
BPMN or Business Process Model and Notation maps processes and clearly identifies the key people [from the previous section] and details of the change.
Don't forget to tap into the richness of information from your colleagues; whether they be operational or project based. For instance, working closely with Business Analysts will give you a greater level of understanding and appreciation of the structural changes, plus they use the methodologies list above - win, win all round.
How do you analyse the impacts of change within an organisational eco system? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.