We are trying to "webify" (like that word?) all of our processes here. The problem is that when you mix the web into the equation it can greatly change how things are done and that of course causes waves through the organization.
How would you propose dealing with the cultural shift that occurs when you try to take a company from a traditional brick & mortar environment to doing everything on the web? Saving Changes...
This topic could fill a book - or a set of books - or a CD or two. In fact it does. Is there some specific aspect of the culture shift you're interested in? Saving Changes...
A culture shift is, by far, the most difficult thing to pull off without alienating the crew and causing havock. My simple process to introduce a new way of doing things has worked every time. Number one, without this you will fail, you must get total buy in from all the senior management. Number two, launch a pilot process with a small and willing group. Make this a real winner. Begin an advertising program and include your satisfied people as advocates. Number three, expand your winning pilot to the next group. Keep it simple and make it a winner. Pretty soon, like a snow ball rolling down hill, the process grows faster and bigger because everybody wants to join a winner. Saving Changes...
Chik Chung LeeTechnical Director| Thomson ReutersHong Kong, Hong Kong
Another point to help is to identify the benefits. "webify" does not mean benefit in business sense. If you can list out the benefit (e.g. improve sharing of project info, improve/automate workflow, reduce cost, less dummy jobs, etc.), it can help identifying the first target for process changes. If the first change wins and shows benefit, it will be easier to keep the ball rolling and smooth the cultural shift.
If the purpose of the change is just for getting some certifications required for bidding contract or for marketing purposes, the resistance on the change will be bigger (unless the certification help the staff to find better job). Saving Changes...
I'm developing a conference on "Web-enabled Project Management" and looking for speakers who can share their experiences in this area. If anyone is interested, please write/call me at: 703-908-9010, [email protected] Saving Changes...
One of the keys in "webifying" your processes is to make the information meaningful. All to often the web is used as a dumping ground for infomation. If the end users cannot find the information they seek in a timely manner they will resort to paper. I agree with Henry in the manner to implement. communication with the user community is critcal on what to expect, when to expect it and how to use it when it gets there. The pilot will help with many of these areas. Saving Changes...
Michael WoodProject Manager / Business Analyst / Business Process Improvement Guru| Independent ContractorGig Harbor, Wa, United States
Don't let the web aspect of change fool you. Cultural change is cultural change. I would suggest you start with the company's strategy and what it is trying to achieve. This should be stated in measurable benefits to stakeholders. Then, I would take a look at the business processes that have the most impact on achieving the outcomes identified in the company's strategy. Identify the knowledge workers that know those processes best and facilitate them as to how the use of the WEB could improve the process and deliver greater value. That engagement of the workforce to create positive change will help condition the organization for the change, provide more meaningful improvements and ensure that you keep your eye on the Value delivered and not the technology. Remember, technology - is a means not an ends. To the extent it leverages and organization and its people to deliver greater value to its stakeholders, it is a good thing. Saving Changes...
The question I thought you were asking is not the one other respondents seem to be answering. So I'll answer based on that first impression, rather than adding to the excellent advice posted by others. The topic, as I saw it, was, "How do we get this old company to look on the intranet?"
Make sure everyone has standard browser and connectivity to use it -- avoid creating islands of ignorance w/in company.
Put your company phone directory online.
Start adding other sites, linked from the phone directory page.
Keep that phone directory updated!
It is the simple, obvious benefit that gets people over the hump. You don't sell paradigm shifts, you sneak them under the door. Saving Changes...
