http://erikvanslyke.solleva.com/2009/12/18/the-practice-of-adaptive-change-management/ on listening, change and creating cultures that thrive Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:45:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://erikvanslyke.solleva.com/2009/12/18/the-practice-of-adaptive-change-management/#comment-26 Steve from Lambertville Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:13:38 +0000 http://erikvanslyke.solleva.com/?p=295#comment-26 It seems to me that resolving these "adaptive" problems requires a collective buy in from more than just people involved in technology. I have read this in books, and my business experience so far corroborates this notion. If an organization either lacks vision at the highest levels, or is unwilling to vigourously encourage involvement from all stakeholders touched by change, then more than likely the initiative will fail. The notion that standalone technnical implementation on its own will magically solve problems is so obviously flawed to those of us who think about such matters, but somehow this misconception seems to still be present in the business world. I think a good project champion, or evangelist who can bring all parties to the table, uniting the technical and business personnel behind a well defined goal can be critical to success - at least when there is a technical component to the change being undertaken. But the question is, will executives pay for this ability? Can they afford not to pay for it? There seems to be a lot of people "selling" that capability, but in the end it's difficult to know who really possesses it. It seems to me that resolving these “adaptive” problems requires a collective buy in from more than just people involved in technology. I have read this in books, and my business experience so far corroborates this notion. If an organization either lacks vision at the highest levels, or is unwilling to vigourously encourage involvement from all stakeholders touched by change, then more than likely the initiative will fail. The notion that standalone technnical implementation on its own will magically solve problems is so obviously flawed to those of us who think about such matters, but somehow this misconception seems to still be present in the business world. I think a good project champion, or evangelist who can bring all parties to the table, uniting the technical and business personnel behind a well defined goal can be critical to success – at least when there is a technical component to the change being undertaken. But the question is, will executives pay for this ability? Can they afford not to pay for it? There seems to be a lot of people “selling” that capability, but in the end it’s difficult to know who really possesses it.

]]> http://erikvanslyke.solleva.com/2009/12/18/the-practice-of-adaptive-change-management/#comment-25 John Reich Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:57:13 +0000 http://erikvanslyke.solleva.com/?p=295#comment-25 I like the distinction between technical and adaptive problems. Most projects, especially technology projects, are led by technical experts that have one way of doing things. They are successful technologists because they think analytically and have a linear mindset. This approach never works when trying to solve people problems. You can't convert emotions to lines on a project plan. The other thing I see regularly is that when problems occur, project teams look "up the food chain," as you say, and hope that they get solutions from above. Your post suggests that it may not be that easy. In my experience, you are right. I like the distinction between technical and adaptive problems. Most projects, especially technology projects, are led by technical experts that have one way of doing things. They are successful technologists because they think analytically and have a linear mindset. This approach never works when trying to solve people problems. You can’t convert emotions to lines on a project plan. The other thing I see regularly is that when problems occur, project teams look “up the food chain,” as you say, and hope that they get solutions from above. Your post suggests that it may not be that easy. In my experience, you are right.

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