What we know about change management
In Microsoft’s research last year, 37% of IT Decision Makers (CTOs, Senior Architects, etc.) surveyed identified change management skills as a top skill gap on their teams. Similarly, driving end-user adoption was a top priority for 53% of IT decision makers. Moving forward in cloud transitions, managing these rapid changes at an organizational level will be critical in driving end-user adoption. Anticipating impact to end-users, understanding upcoming updates and managing communication channels as changes occur, are all critical skills for ensuring a smooth transition and deployment.
Why it matters
Change looks different in the cloud. It’s faster. It’s incremental. It’s constant. The cloud has flipped the traditional ‘update’ model on its’ head. As @Susan Hanley said in her piece on Network World [Note: she also includes resources for change management!]:
“Successful change management is a lot about managing expectations. When people are fully informed and aware of changes to the software they use every day, the changes can be easier to accept – especially if you have evaluated the impact of these changes in advance.”
Understandably the term change management covers a range of topics—from soft skills required to interact with end-users to understanding the new servicing model that Microsoft uses when providing Windows 10 and Office 365 updates. The resources listed below are by no means comprehensive but provide a place to start. We’ve included both specific Microsoft resources as well as some online training for more generic change management training, including a variety of change management models.
TechNet Library - Change Management for Office 365
What it is
A more applied version of change management—Microsoft provides a summary of release channels and how you can manage updates to Office 365 client applications. This helps explain the new servicing model and how new functionality releases will impact the cadence of upgrades to applications used by your organization.
Why we like it
Several different formats help walk you through the new servicing model strategy, ranging from posters (downloadable), videos, charts describing the rollout process, and tables describing release options for difference branches and products. Additionally, the page provides tips for testing (best practices) and follow-up resources.
What it is
The Office Blogs provide detailed blog posts around major Office updates. The blogs are searchable by product, use case (Business, Public Sector, Partner, etc.), and form factor. You can also save filtered searches, so you can tailor your blog newsfeed.
Why we like it
In addition to the searchability function, the content is shareable to social channels and has RSS feed capabilities. Content is also linked to additional Microsoft resources, provides FAQs at the bottom of many posts, and has a comments section which allows for users to ask questions right on the post.
What it is
An online platform with video instruction from recognized industry experts, Lynda has a variety of business skill topics to choose from. Lynda provides two levels of monthly memberships – basic and premium, as well as a 10-day free trial. Basic membership starts at $20 per month and premium runs at $30 per month.
Why we like it
Although the Change Management section doesn’t have a ton of courses to choose from, the courses are high-quality and walk through phases of change management, ways to implement processes, and initiatives to influence change. The courses also consider change management from several different perspectives; individual, project and organizational.
Mind Tools - Change Management
What it is
An online learning resource focused on career development, Mind Tools offers over 1,000 skills, techniques and tools, including downloadable content, video sessions and newsletters. Mind Tools offers two memberships – standard ($19 per month) and premium ($27 per month), with a bonus deal of $1 for the first month.
Why we like it
The website provides a high-level view of change management and then breaks change management down into smaller steps. The Change Management toolkit includes multiple models of change management, techniques for assessing organizational structures and processes for communication and training.
Do you use these resources? How have they helped you manage change in your organization? Let us know by replying below!
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