Openness Can Break Ingrained Patterns

If 2020 has made anything clear, it’s that we don’t have our affairs as well-in-order as we always thought, here in The Netherlands. Whether it’s the fight against corona, the benefits scandal or the approach to ICT projects, time and time again we seem to make some fundamental mistakes. That in itself is not such a bad thing; what is more shocking is our failure to learn from them. Each time we blunder, the pattern becomes ingrained. How can this be broken?

Authenticity

In the first place, there is a role for change leaders. People who make the difference. So, what makes real leaders successful in change management? They are – among other things – authentic. They are genuine and independent. They express their honest opinions and encourage others, inside and outside of the organization, to do the same. And so, by learning from each other, changes can lead to real improvements.

Successful leaders provide clarity and give people the space to use their authenticity, not to bend too much but to use their unique qualities and strengths – because change must come from the employees themselves and be carried throughout the organization. This way you extinguish fear and negativity and create a positive undercurrent.

What is your Raison d’être?

ICT projects are no different. I advise clients, whether they are active in the business market or in the public domain, to always start from their core values – theirs personally as well as those of the organization – and then to clearly formulate what they want to achieve and how. What is your company or organisation’s true purpose? What do you contribute … to customers? Citizens? Society? And then, the most important question for the proposed project is: How does it contribute to those objectives, to your right to exist?

Only then, do you ensure that the investments you make (in this case, investments in ICT) are effective and efficient, supporting – and fitting within – the organization.

To Interfere = To Be Involved

By taking this approach, you will see that changes in processes will be accepted more quickly. What’s more, if you give employees the space to be authentic, there is more chance that they will become involved in the project. No, that is not annoying or difficult; they are showing their commitment to it and, by doing so, they will start to express themselves positively and constructively. Just watch.

The same principle also works between client and (ICT) supplier. Together they form an ecosystem; they influence each other. Be clear about your objectives and be open about what is possible and what is not, about the available budget on the one hand and the fair price on the other. Love must come from both sides.

That is the basis for reaching an optimum solution together. In old-fashioned terms, the best price-quality ratio. This ensures that the supplier is happy to fulfil the contract and is willing to go the extra mile. This benefits the end result.