Bridging the Gap: Aligning IT Projects with Business Objectives Through OCM
Just published: "Bridging the Gap: Aligning IT Projects with Business Objectives Through OCM"
After 15+ years helping organizations transform their technology initiatives, I've witnessed a consistent pattern: when IT projects fail, it's rarely about the technology. The real challenge lies in the space between technical implementation and business understanding.
In this article, I share:
Why 89% of IT leaders think projects are aligned with business strategy, but only 47% of executives agree
How our Strategic Context Map helps teams see their work as part of something bigger
The Translation Matrix that turns technical jargon into business value (with real examples)
Evidence-based metrics that predict alignment success
As one client put it: "You're telling me this feature isn't just another requirement—it's actually enabling our expansion into rural markets?" The technical work hadn't changed, but its meaning had transformed completely.
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Change Fatigue: Multiple Voices from the Transformation Front Lines
Ever feel like you're constantly relearning your job? You're not alone! 🙌
My latest article dives into change fatigue—that overwhelming feeling when organizations transform faster than humans can adapt.
What you'll discover:
Red flags that signal your team is at their limit 🚩
Proven strategies that boost success rates by 34% ✅
How to create energizing (not exhausting) change processes ⚡
The game-changer? Treating change capacity as a precious resource, not an infinite well.
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The Human Side of AI Implementation: Change Management Strategies for 2025
Many companies treat AI like a pure tech challenge—data, algorithms, and timelines. But what about the humans behind the screens? Real fears of job loss, identity shifts, and “competency anxiety” often get overlooked.
In this article, I share why emotional intelligence is just as crucial as technical readiness. From real-world success stories at Goldman Sachs and Starbucks to practical steps on handling the waves of worry that AI stirs up, this piece dives deep into the human side of AI implementation.
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Resolutions for Responsible Change: Ethical IT Transformations
As we approach the end of the year, a season often associated with reflection, generosity, and doing what’s right, it’s an opportune moment to examine a critical yet often overlooked aspect of Organizational Change Management (OCM): ethics. OCM practitioners play a pivotal role in guiding organizations through complex transformations, but with this influence comes immense responsibility. Ensuring ethical integrity in the process is not just a professional obligation—it’s a reflection of our collective values and the kind of organization we aim to build.
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Boosting Stakeholder Engagement in IT Projects through Gamification
Engaging stakeholders effectively is one of the greatest predictors of IT project success. As IT projects tend to be complex and time-intensive, sustaining stakeholders' interest and participation can be challenging. Gamification, combined with team-based activities, can turn passive stakeholders into active contributors, driving higher adoption rates and smoother transitions. Here’s some practical suggestions for how to use this effective and fun strategy.
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The Intersection of Change Management and Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I): A Strategic Imperative
n today's global business environment, organizations are increasingly recognizing that success hinges not just on implementing change, but on doing so in ways that respect and leverage the diversity of their workforce. As such, the intersection of Organizational Change Management (OCM) and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) has emerged as a crucial area of focus for change leaders, project managers, and organizational change managers.
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Sustaining the Magic: The Challenge of Making Change Last
Sustaining changes long term isn't magic. It takes planning, diligence, and patience. Here are some practical ways to sustain changes long term.
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How Understanding Personal Change Can Result in Successful Changes That Stick
Organizational change is a constant reality in today's dynamic business landscape, yet it is often met with resistance and apprehension. Understanding the psychology behind individual change can provide valuable insights into managing and facilitating organizational change. This article explores the psychological mechanisms that drive individual change and its implications for organizational transformation, and practical strategies to foster effective organizational transformation.
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Creating a Communications Plan for Seamless Implementation
Communication plays a crucial role in the success of any project. A well-structured communication plan ensures that all stakeholders are informed, aligned, and engaged throughout the project lifecycle. This article explains practical steps for creating a well-organized, thoughtful, communication plan.
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Hitting the Bullseye of Success During a Change
The Love Between OCM and Project Management
Happy Valentine's Day! Here's my Valentine to all the OCM Leads and Project Managers out there!
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The Ripple Effect: How to identify ALL of your stakeholders
Some practical exercises to make sure you identify all of you stakeholders and don’t miss any.
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Training: Shaken, Not Stirred
Too often, we think of training as something we are performing, and others are passively consuming. Here are some suggestions for planning more customized training options.
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The Emerald City: Defining the Vision
The other day in a meeting one of the very smart leaders at my organization described a project plan as lots of steps on a yellow brick road; but what he didn't see was the description of the Emerald City. He rightly recognized that the project, the team, and thus the people effected by the change, didn't have a clear vision of where we are going. This is the first and, I would argue, the most important step in embarking on a project and it is a critical step in Organizational Change Management. Whether it's a reorganization, a new technology migration, or just a website update, everyone on the project team must first understand why the project exists and define the vision of success.
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Failure to Launch: Why OCM is not a last-minute consideration
One of my biggest pain points as an OCM practitioner is working with projects who haven't integrated OCM into their project from the beginning. Here are 5 (of many) reasons why this doesn't work, even with small projects and what to do instead.
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