ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2007 > January > 24 > Entry
As things change, some things stay the same
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Man invented the wheel 100,000 years ago, created Windows 22 years ago, and rolled out SAP R/3 13 years ago. It’s all been downhill from there. Year after year, man continues this endless journey of creation and “evolution” in an effort to change status quo…change, change, change with tool upon tool.
By our very nature, we constantly want to make things faster and better (and after we learned to barter - cheaper).
In the workplace, have our tools (you know, the six, seven, and eight figure investments) made life easier? Often, we fashion IT solutions in-house or make costly purchases of off-the-shelf software packages to automate finance/accounting, sales/marketing, manufacturing, logistics, and HR functions, etc. We are automation machines.
When man invented the wheel, I’m sure there was a bit of culture shock. How would this new solution integrate into their day-to-day lives? What existing methods would it replace? Who stood out in the crowd as a role model in accepting this new gizmo? Who would own, manage, and disseminate this knowledge to ensure others benefited? Who was appointed “change agent” to guide those that were scared or reluctant into this new paradigm? How would groups work together to standardize methods and share best practices?
Has your division or organization recently rolled out another tool to improve productivity, quality, or timeliness of information? Was the proper planning done to ensure cultural acceptance of the solution? Was change management top of mind or an afterthought?
It’s a shame when a company spends $20 million for a new tool only to fully utilize less than 50% of its capacity…all because people can’t or won’t embrace the new way or accept change.
Getting people to align with processes is the only way to effect productivity. Perhaps all organizations need a Pied Piper to lead the change. Who is the Pied Piper in your company?
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