The Importance of Implementation

We consultants make quite a big deal of interviewing people, gathering facts, and evaluating the data. Where we sometimes can be lacking is in explaining how we can actually help in stimulating the necessary change.

This implementation is critical to ensuring that you realize & gain the value you pay for in the project. Because implementation is a PROCESS, like most good things, let's take a look at it here in some depth.

Another way to look at it is to ask what results are we wanting/needing, and what do we have to do to attain them. Let's make a list:

1) Embrace the change. The irony here is that we sometimes are fearful of the very outcome that we need and want. Questions pop up like; Will I be found lacking? Will my people be angry, or rebel? Will the recommendations create stress? Will the company grow from it? Talk through these thoughts with your management team. Changing the status-quo means taking a risk, but there is so much more to be gained than lost.

2) Be a confident leader. The way we carry ourselves will be contagious. Be available, communicate in an honest & straight forward manner, and answer questions head on.

3) Listen to your people. If you have assembled the right team, the answer lies within the room. Treat your employees accordingly and they will rise to the occasion, and be a part of the solution.

4) Give the project your commitment from the top, time-wise, & financially, Nothing can doom a change more than top management apathy. And if the change has merit, it should be adequately funded. Otherwise, only lip service is being paid.

5) Be willing to make sacrifices yourself. Nothing is better received from your rank and file than a president who's willing to work harder, be paid less money, or agrees to support a decision he/she is against.

These are all things you can do in the company leadership role to imporve the implementation process. We'll discuss the responsibilities of the consultant next.