#Microsoft365 #Office365 As part of a mini series for #CitizenDevelopers I’ll be sharing tips and tricks around Business Analysis, Project and Change Management etc. This is the last blog in the series and I want to talk about #ChangeManagement. This is a scary subject for most people, right alongside Governance, but I promise you, it’s not that difficult. If you do the right things, for the right reasons, you’ll be ok.

For previous posts in my #Microsoft365Challenge go to the index page.

DISCLAIMER: I WRITE ARTICLES ABOUT OFFICE / MICROSOFT 365. CONTENT IS ACCURATE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION, HOWEVER UPDATES AND NEW ADDITIONS HAPPEN DAILY WHICH COULD CHANGE THE ACCURACY OR RELEVANCE. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN USING MY BLOGS AS GUIDELINES.

Recap: The purpose of this blog is to help you become a better solution builder. As mentioned, you might have the technical skill – but I want you to rock at building great solutions. And to do so, there’s some other skills you require as well. Like Business Analysis, Project Management, Communication, Problem Solving & Creativity. I’ll be basing this on the 8 Digital Literacy Pillars that I support through training, and you’ll see that Business Analysis is supported by all 8 of the pillars, so you need to apply all those skills in your business analysis.

Change Management

Similar to what I’ve done with Project Management, is that I found a simpler way of doing things. Methodologies and Theories are wonderful, but make sure that you’re using a framework that actually works, and that you’re not just using it as a checkbox.

With so many options, it could be confusing finding something that works for you. I’ve worked with PROSCI / ADKAR for the last couple of years and found the basis worked best for me:

The following is a high-level overview of the PROSCI Change Management Methodology that I use as a guideline:

PROSCI:

Prepare for change

Define the strategy

  • Develop and document the Change Management Plan
  • Define the Communication method
  • Define the Training method

Prepare team

  • Define and document the Training and Project Change Management Team.
  • Identify “change agents” and evangelists.

Manage the change

Develop Schedule

  • Develop and document the Communication Schedule.
  • Develop and document the Training Schedule.

Implement Schedule

  • Facilitate the delivery of the Communications as per the Communication Schedule.
  • Facilitate the delivery of the Training as per the Training Schedule.

Reinforce the change

Collect and Analyse Feedback

  • Gather Feedback from Stakeholders
  • Analyse these results and interact with the stakeholder(s) where necessary.

Diagnose Gaps and manage resistance

  • Summarise results
  • Suggest changes to schedules or methods
  • Approve these changes and adjust relevant documentation accordingly.

Implement corrective actions and celebrate successes

  • Adjust methods
  • Recognise and communicate successes

ADKAR, created by PROSCI is an acronym that represents the five outcomes individuals must achieve for change to be successful.

  • Awareness is about communication and ensuring that users understand what’s happening, why it’s happening and what the company wants to do this.
  • Desire is creating a need, if what you’re delivering does not solve a problem, you will not get buy in and users won’t understand the Why. This is personal to the user, what’s in it for them?
  • Knowledge is the skill we pass on through training and communication.
  • Ability is the experience created through skill, which means the actual ability to perform the tasks.
  • Reinforcement might just be the most important. This is the continuous feedback asked and given and the changes we apply because of it. Measurement and Corrective Actions.

ADKAR:

You’ll see that in the end, Change Management, just like Project Management comes down to 4 things:

PDCA:

  • Plan
  • Do
  • Check
  • Act

I told you it’s easier than you think it is 🙂

Purpose of this blog challenge: I will write 365 blogs in 365 days around Microsoft 365. I did a similar challenge with Office 365, blogs can be found here. I won’t just be talking about the new Microsoft 365 subscription model. I will be sharing any news, tips and tricks around Office / Office 365 / Windows / Mobility and Security. And let’s not forget all the great new Apps & services available. A lot of what I’ll share on Office and SharePoint will also be applicable to none “Office 365” versions.

You can also find me contributing to REgarding 365. I’m a member of a group of enthusiasts, sharing their stories, thoughts and opinions about Microsoft 365. Catch us at https://regarding365.com | @regarding365 on Twitter and regarding365 on YouTube

Want to work with me? You’re welcome to CONTACT ME:

(If it’s related to a specific blog, rather comment on the actual blog please – do not send an email)