Adapting to Change: The Need for a Tailored Approach

In many operational processes, a one-size-fits-all approach is efficient and productive. Change management efforts are not among them.

Most people find change uncomfortable. Change requires adapting, thinking differently, and working differently. Most likely, day-to-day tasks will take more time at first while everyone gets used to the new way of working.

Since most people are always working at capacity and often running a mile a minute, that initial barrier can cause a strong reaction.

"How can I possibly adopt this new workflow and tool right now? My current process isn’t ideal, but learning to work in this new way will add 15 minutes every time I need to do this task and I can’t afford that right now. I know it’ll be better once I get used to it, but I’m just too busy right now."

This is why it’s critical for project success to listen to your stakeholders and be flexible in your approach. I always say that sometimes the right solution isn’t the best solution.

By that I mean, if it’s perfect on paper but your stakeholders won’t adopt it, then what good is it?

It’s better to be flexible, implement a part they will adopt, and build from there.

It might take longer, but you’ll get something valuable faster and the end result will stick instead of being just another great idea that went nowhere.