Is facilitating change easy?  No!  Susan and Scott dig into the topic of change management with the authors of Brainy Glue, Ian Richards and Filip Hendrickx. They emphasize the importance of introducing and managing change effectively within organizations and highlight the role of Business Analysis professionals in facilitating this process.

For effective change management, it’s important to have a clear vision when initiating change.  This requires the participation of stakeholders to understand different perspectives and generate ideas for solutions.  Change doesn’t happen without impact and resistance.

The book “Brainy Glue: Making Change Stick”, is written different than others in that it is a story.  It has a plot that follows a business analyst through her challenges throughout her assignment and includes various characters that bring various perspectives to live.  There are over 30 techniques illustrated, so the book is not only entertaining and insightful, but it’s also very practical.

One of the areas that appealed to Scott is the concept of the "first follower" - a supporter who can rally others behind a new idea or initiative. Filip discusses the QR code in the book that links to a video featuring a lone dancer at a festival who is eventually joined by others, demonstrating the power of followership in driving change.

The book itself is a powerful example of a change management tool, storytelling.  It’s a technique that can be used tor convey the importance of change, making it relatable, and building rapport with stakeholders.

One question from the audience revolves around the evaluation of the need for Organizational Change Management (OCM) in a project. The hosts suggest that the scale of the impact, the number of people affected, and the readiness of individuals for change should be considered when determining the level of OCM required. They also emphasize that even smaller projects can benefit from some level of change management.

Another audience question addresses the challenge of getting people to express their true opinions during change initiatives. The hosts recommend focusing not only on what people say but also on their actions. Encouraging individuals to actively participate in small parts of the change process can reveal their true sentiments and level of commitment.

A final question relates to customizing change initiatives to an organization's culture. The hosts express the desire for change management to become an integral part of an organization's culture. They advocate for smaller, more frequent changes, as they are often easier to adapt to and provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to improvements.

Effective change management is a critical component of any successful organization. It involves clear communication, engaging stakeholders, identifying and addressing resistance, and making change relatable through storytelling. Business Analysis professionals are seen as essential players in this process, helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of change and ensuring that it aligns with their goals and culture.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about the book and where to buy it https://brainyglue.com/

Do you have questions about this topic or have an idea for a different topic? Ask us a question at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or leave us a ⁠voice message⁠ on our podcast homepage. 

Business Analysis Live is hosted by: - Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager at IIBA - Scott Bennett, Manager, Business Analysis at IIBA

The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a non-profit professional association serving the field of business analysis.  As the global thought leader and voice of the business analysis community, IIBA actively supports the recognition of the profession, and works to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the practice and certifications.