"Different" isn't necessarily better or worse.
One of the biggest challenges I face when working with my clients is getting them to think differently about things. Whether it's a wholesale change of systems (e.g., a new AMS) or a change in how data is processed within an existing system, thinking about things differently is difficult.
Part of the challenge is that "different" is a neutral term; different is neither better nor worse. It's just not doing what you normally would do. Change for change's sake has no value.
So if we want people to think or do differently, we have to communicate the value in making that change. How will doing things differently make their lives better? What value does the change bring to them and their organization?
Everyone says "change is hard" and "no one likes to change." But the reality is things change every day and we quickly adapt because we implicitly or explicitly see the value in adapting.
And that's how we get people to think do differently. Help them see the value.
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming
When “overcommunicating” becomes overwhelming There is a common belief in project management and general business management that overcommunicating […]
Communicating when there is a major technology change
Communicating when there is a major technology change For those of you who are ASAE […]
Everything works, until it doesn’t.
Everything works, until it doesn’t. “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” – […]
Some things are unknowable
Some things are unknowable One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new […]
Do we have access to that data?
Do we have access to that data? When I work with my clients on a […]
The three “buckets” of contact data
The three “buckets” of contact data Broadly speaking, when collecting data on contacts (individuals or organizations), […]
Balancing what is possible with what is realistic
Balancing what is possible with what is realistic When I work with clients on technology […]
“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.”
“Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” “Humans want to be surrounded by beauty.” – […]
Data managers vs data consumers
Data managers vs data consumers When I work with clients on any data management project, […]
Another universal truth
Another universal truth There are many universal truths in data management. Some examples: You will […]