It is certainly a good thing that we are making changes to our business, and our ITAM programs.  Seldom is anything going to be static for long.  In a way, engaging in change management can indicate that we are actually doing things that can make it better than it was in the past.  Let’s celebrate that we are taking steps forward, while being mindful that the WAY in which we walk, will dictate whether we are getting where we want to go.  Let’s look at some of the common reasons we may stray from the path, in a way that is not helpful.

Underestimating the People side of ITAM can be easy to do.  Quite often we hear people, data, technology, process, and some other catchy ways to slice up business or ITAM.  There is a fixation on technology and data.  Maybe because we have evidence that they are both constantly evolving and decaying.  We are a little more lax on the people side because we haven’t released a new version of humans in a bit so it doesn’t need as much attention.  We spend thousands, or millions, on tools and campaigns while neglecting the hands and ears that will turn these investments into an ROI.  When we make these big changes, we are making a big ask of those users or stakeholders that are involved.  It is critical to not take that lightly.  Failing to engage employees can lead to resistance, workarounds, or outright dereliction of duties.  Instead of looking at the people side of change last, look at it first.  People will be the ones that determine whether the other aspects are going to work out.

We have focused on the users and doers, so we are good right!?  I wish.  Another key piece to complete a significant project or change is executive sponsorship.  Truly, how nice would it be if we had a magic wand and infinite credibility.  The kind of power that would allow us to all but force the willing cooperation, and potentially long hours, that meaningful change takes to bring to life.  I have tried to the grassroots thing, and it was fun.  Until I realized the level of effort was completely eclipsed by the amount of grease a strong executive sponsor can bring.  If our project requires folks from multiple departments and disciplines to come together and make personal sacrifices for the greater good, then the burden is so much easier to navigate when we have that executive that can cast the vision, break ties, and provide motivation from a higher level.

Another common mistake in change management is….to not do it.  The more successful an initiative, the more it will attract others.  They may want to join in the glory of credit, or possibly try to get an outcome that helps them or their team.  Bringing in more demands without methodically assessing the impact, will lead to an overwhelming amount of additional work.  Original stakeholders may find the things that were important are no longer the focus.  As we bring in new, the things that made the project successful in the first place, may get pushed out or neglected.  Change management is an entire discipline in and of itself.  Simply put though, make sure we are all in alignment on the realistic impact of changes we are making.

When these decisions are analyzed and made, please…WRITE IT DOWN.  Documentation can make and break many of our initiatives.  Document our scope, changes as they come, our assessments of changes, our approval/rejection of changes, just about everything related to managing and assess our project/initiative.  Even if the documentation didn’t feel helpful in the moment, it could become absolute gold the next time we are doing a similar project, or heaven forbid, our previous decisions come under attack.  By having adequate documentation, we can demonstrate the level of care and due diligence that was done in the past.

Like a powerful negotiator on the other side that distracts us from the value we care about, stay focused on multiple key success factors for an initiative, not just the glamorous new data or technology aspect.  Consider the people, our executives, intentional change management, and good ole’ documentation, and you will find, the glamorous things can become a reality.  There really is immense power in documentation, so please join us in our next IMUG, as we discuss how documentation can be the Glorious Hero of ITAM!