The conversation that must take place at the beginning of every Business Transformation

Regardless of size and scope, every transformation requires a committed Executive Sponsor.  The conversation you have with your sponsor before your program kick-off provides you with guiding principles.

The questions can vary based on project needs; however, these five dimensions must be addressed.

1.      Program Vision

o   Sample Questions:

• Is there a clear understanding of the need for change?

• Is there a complete and unambiguous vision / future state?

2.      Governance

o   Sample Questions:

• What is the project management structure (e.g., Executive Sponsors, Project Management Office (PMO), Project Manager (PM), etc.)?

• Have key sponsors for this project been identified and selected?

3.      Stakeholder Engagement

o   Sample Questions:

• Do leaders demonstrate commitment to the change through actions as well as words?

• Is there adequate participation by middle and lower managers in designing the future state?

4.      Organizational Readiness

o   Sample Questions:

• Is there a safe outlet for feedback, including reactions, concerns, and comments?

• Do you understand associates' readiness for the change and their attitudes, perceptions, and sentiments towards the project and the change?

5.      Sustainability/Adoption

o   Sample Questions:

• What adoption metrics do you have to assess and measure collective and individual adoption of the change across the business?

• Is there a plan for adapting the change over time to shifting circumstances?

Once your conversation is complete, you must apply these responses to crafting a change program that will deliver the desired future state.

A successful business transformation is far from guaranteed under any circumstances, but success is likely to be achieved when you ensure that you are aligned with your Executive Sponsor.

Let us help you as you go navigate your next Business Transformation.