Use Heat Mapping to Drive Better Project Decision Making

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Oct 18, 2018 @ 10:53 AM

On a recent new technology implementation for a major, global corporation our consultants quickly realized the new system was actually one of 60 initiatives that were being launched over an 18-month period. Each individual project had its own project team and although there were interdependencies between the initiatives, the project teams were completely unaware of what the others were doing. 

Change Management Trends - Your Questions Answered

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Oct 11, 2018 @ 03:46 PM

Don Harrison, the developer of the AIM Change Management Methodology, has spent his 40+ year career working with global organizations on how to implement complex change. He specializes in delivering tough messages to senior executives on their role as Sponsors. Not an easy task! 

4 Critical Questions to Ensure You are Making an Impact with Your Actions During a Business Change

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Oct 04, 2018 @ 01:52 PM

The rate of change in today’s business world is certainly at an all-time high. Everyone we know is racing around at a crazy, fast pace trying to implement multiple initiatives all of which are chasing the same limited resources. This nonstop, whirlwind of activity often makes an organization seem like it’s functioning like a well-oiled machine. (After all if everyone is busy, change management must be happening, right?) But, have you ever stopped to ask yourself what exactly everyone is doing? Are they just spinning their wheels with activity or are they making an actual impact with their actions? 

Change Management Models:  Build or Buy?

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Aug 30, 2018 @ 12:00 PM

There are a lot of choices when it comes to change management models. On the surface, many of them look pretty similar. For example, most change management methodologies are founded on behavioral science research concepts in areas like human motivation. They include tools and templates for project teams to use in implementation. Some of these frameworks are home-grown, combining a “mish mosh” of several well-known frameworks; a little AIM here, some ADKAR model there and a dash of Kotter over here. 

How to Build Personal and Organizational Capability for Next Generation Change Management

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Aug 02, 2018 @ 02:03 PM

Watch This Quick Video Recap:

Recently we’ve talked a lot about the importance of shifting from traditional to Next Generation Change Management. NextGen Change Management is about achieving business outcomes, and utilizing your limited resources to get maximum benefit in the shortest amount of time. It’s a shift from change management “activity” to change management “impact.” 

Yes, There is an AIM Toolkit!

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Jul 26, 2018 @ 01:47 PM

Prospective clients interested in AIM inevitably ask, “What’s included in your Toolkit?” This question always causes us to hesitate, because yes, there is a toolkit; however, unlike some of our competitors, we understand change management, when done right, is really about targeting your organization’s limited resources for the most impact in the shortest amount of time to get to value realization at speed. 

Implementation is the Missing I in DMAIC

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Jul 12, 2018 @ 11:08 AM

Operational Excellence programs like Lean Six Sigma have been around for many years and have proven themselves time and time again to be invaluable in identifying areas where business process improvement is necessary. Lean Six Sigma, in particular, focuses on improving performance by removing waste. The five steps in the Lean Six Sigma process are designed to optimize and stabilize business process and design and are abbreviated by the initials DMAIC: 

The Value of Change Management

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Jun 21, 2018 @ 01:10 PM

The business value in using a disciplined project management protocol, such as Agile or Waterfall, is undeniable. Project management ensures projects are completed on time, on budget and to scope. And with the amount of investments being made on large, complex organizational change at an all-time high, these metrics are critical. But, what about using a change management process? Is there a value there as well? 

Driving Project Changes in the Complex World of Pharma

by Paula Alsher on Thu, May 10, 2018 @ 02:13 PM

Like so many other industries, Pharma is experiencing rapid and highly disruptive change focused on driving innovation and cost efficiencies, all at an accelerated pace. It’s a complex and competitive environment. Clinical process improvement, R&D process changes, re-structuring, new regulatory requirements, and new technology are all more challenging in what is often a matrixed, global structure. What’s more, changes go well beyond drug discovery: transformational changes are also impacting the business side of Pharma

5 Implications for Change Management in an Agile World

by Paula Alsher on Thu, Mar 29, 2018 @ 12:07 PM

Editor's Note:  This article was originally published in July 2017 and has quickly become one of our most popular blogs to date.  Because the topic is so timely we have chosen to republish it as this week's blog!  

As change management consultants, we’re often asked how Agile and change management fit together.  There are a lot of questions about how adding change management to an Agile project management cycle works; there are concerns expressed about whether change management will slow things down, and get in the way of the speed and innovation derived from Agile.