Workday Gold

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In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss chapter 10 “Governance and Standards’ of Keith’s book and delve into the intricacies of governance and standards within Workday. They explore the importance of having a clear understanding of governance, the necessity of establishing an escalation path for decision-making, and the nuances of release management and deployment methodology. 

The conversation emphasizes the balance between structure and flexibility in organizational processes, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Workday support. They delve into the intricacies of change management within Workday, emphasizing the importance of structured testing and accountability. They discuss the critical role of naming conventions for calculated fields and reports, advocating for consistency to enhance clarity and efficiency. The conversation wraps up with a focus on governance and documentation best practices, highlighting how these elements can streamline processes and improve troubleshooting efforts in a small team environment.

Takeaways
- Governance is a defined process for organizational operations.
- Lack of governance can lead to chaos and inefficiency.
- Maturity in Workday support develops in a Workday customer support team over time.
- Establishing an escalation path is crucial for effective decision-making.
- Communication is key in managing stakeholder expectations.
- Release management involves moving changes from test to production environments.
- Engaging multiple stakeholders in decision-making fosters collaboration.
- A well-defined governance model can prevent crises during critical processes. 
- Testing changes at the appropriate level is crucial.
- Accountability in change management helps prevent issues.
- Limiting the number of people making changes in production is beneficial.
- Consistency in naming conventions aids in clarity and efficiency.
- Documentation is key for troubleshooting and governance.
- Effective governance can save time and headaches in the long run.

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

Keywords
Workday, governance, standards, escalation path, release management, deployment methodology, ITIL, organizational processes, software support, Workday Gold, Workday, change management, naming conventions, governance, documentation, calculated fields, integrations, report management

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In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer interviews Kristina Kelpe, a consultant specializing in Workday Student. They discuss Christina's journey into the Workday ecosystem, the unique aspects of Workday Student compared to other systems, the challenges of implementation, and the importance of user experience and best practices in higher education technology. In this conversation, Kristina Kelpe and Keith Bitikofer discuss the complexities of implementing Workday in higher education institutions. They explore the importance of understanding system integrations, the flexibility of Workday, and the necessity of long-term planning. The conversation emphasizes the significance of data models in integrations, collaborative reporting, and the challenges of pre-delivered reports. They also highlight the concept of phantom statuses in reporting and the need for thorough validation of data to ensure accurate outcomes.

Takeaways

- Kristina Kelpe has a diverse background in higher education and technology implementation.

- Workday Student is a distinct product line, not just a version of Workday for higher education.

- The implementation of Workday Student typically spans 18 months to 2 years.

- User experience design is critical for successful student implementations.

- Workday's cloud-based system offers significant advantages over legacy systems.

- A techno-functional approach is necessary for effective Workday support.

- Financial aid is a complex module within Workday Student.

- Workday Student impacts multiple offices within an institution, not just the registrar.

- Dashboards can enhance user experience and streamline processes in Workday.

- Best practices are essential for navigating the complexities of Workday Student implementation. Understanding the technology stack is crucial for schools.

- Start with a minimum viable product to ease transitions.

- Workday's flexibility allows for easy changes over time.

- Long-term planning is essential for successful implementation.

- Collaboration between functional and technical teams is key.

- Data models must be embraced for effective integrations.

- Validation of data is necessary to avoid errors.

- Pre-delivered reports may not meet specific institutional needs.

- Phantom statuses can lead to misinterpretation of data.

- Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in higher education.

Keywords

Workday, Workday Student, higher education, implementation, technology, consulting, project management, user experience, dashboards, best practices, Workday, higher education, system integrations, data model, student information system, reporting, configurability, long-term planning, data governance, implementation

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Kristina Kelpe, you can find her here: https://www.legatostrategic.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinakelpe/

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In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss chapter 10 “Leadership and Product Ownership’ of Keith’s book and explore the themes of leadership and product ownership within the Workday environment. They discuss the importance of building relationships and understanding the dynamics of influence, distinguishing between positional and relational influence. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and storytelling to highlight the achievements of Workday and the support team within a given Workday customer.

They discuss the importance of effective communication within teams. They explore how Workday's strategic direction and potential new functionality impact decision making around project requests. The discussion also delves into crisis management, leadership dynamics, and the significance of maintaining a calm demeanor to facilitate problem-solving and collaboration.

Takeaways
- Building relationships is key to influence.
- Understanding levels of influence can guide relationship-building efforts.
- Positional influence is based on authority, while relational influence is based on trust.
- Trust is a dynamic asset that can be built or eroded over time.
- Celebrating wins helps maintain morale and engagement.
- Intentional storytelling can highlight team achievements.
- Networking in informal settings can strengthen professional relationships.
- Influence often comes from unexpected sources, not just the org chart.
- Regular communication about successes is crucial for ongoing engagement. - Communicating wins to leadership and key users is essential to avoid negative assumptions.
- Being in a state of overwhelm can hinder effective problem-solving.
- Users need to feel heard to foster collaboration.
- Separating short-term and long-term issues can ease tension.
- Continuous learning is vital in both professional and personal relationships.

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

Keywords
Workday, leadership, product ownership, influence, communication, relationships, coaching, project management, organizational dynamics, trust, Workday, communication, strategy, overwhelm, crisis management, leadership, support prioritization, coaching, productivity, team dynamics

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In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss chapter 9 “Success Matters: How Do You Measure It?’ of Keith’s book and explore the complexities of defining and communicating success in the context of Workday implementations. They discuss how success can be defined differently depending on the perspective of various stakeholders, including leadership, end users, and support teams. The conversation emphasizes the importance of gathering feedback through surveys and discussions to understand how different groups perceive success.

They also discuss the importance of understanding leadership perspectives, navigating changes in leadership, and the necessity of effective communication with senior leaders. The conversation emphasizes the role of anecdotal evidence alongside data-driven decision-making, the need for alignment across departments, and the critical function of support teams in facilitating cross-departmental collaboration.

Takeaways
- Success is defined differently by various stakeholders.
- Engaging in conversations is crucial for understanding success.
- Surveys can provide valuable insights but must be carefully crafted.
- Feedback should be gathered from leadership, end users, and support teams.
- Understanding the context of success is essential for effective measurement.
- Change management teams can facilitate feedback collection.
- Anonymous surveys may yield more honest responses.
- Cultural differences can impact perceptions of success in global organizations.
- Defining success requires ongoing dialogue and reassessment of expectations. Leadership's perception of Workday success often relies on feedback from their teams.
- It's crucial to communicate the bigger picture story to leadership.
- Changes in leadership can create challenges in understanding historical context.
- Anecdotal stories can complement data-driven decision-making.
- Alignment of expectations is necessary to avoid friction between departments.

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

Keywords
Workday, success measurement, feedback, surveys, coaching, leadership, Workday support, employee engagement, business processes, change management, Workday, leadership, communication, success metrics, change management, anecdotal evidence, cross-departmental collaboration, organizational impact, data-driven decisions, employee empowerment

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In this episode, Keith Bitikofer interviews Demetrio Wazar-Santana, a Workday Solutions architect, about the capabilities and applications of Workday Extend. They discuss Demetrio's journey with Extend, its features, development processes, real-world applications, and the new 'Built on Workday' initiative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and leveraging technology to create effective solutions within the Workday ecosystem.

Takeaways
- Workday Extend allows for the creation of custom applications within the Workday ecosystem.
- Demetrio's journey with Extend began with a focus on automation and problem-solving.
- Extend provides a user-friendly interface for building applications without extensive coding knowledge.
- Real-world applications of Extend can significantly improve user experience and operational efficiency.
- The 'Built on Workday' initiative allows for broader access to applications without needing a Workday Extend subscription.
- Workday is evolving into a platform company.
- Understanding employee pain points is crucial for developing effective solutions with Extend.
- The growth of the number of Workday Extend Apps and events like DevCon highlights the increasing interest in Extend.
- Collaboration with solution partners can lead to innovative applications that address specific organizational needs.

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Demetrio Wazar-Santana, follow and reach out to him on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwazar/

Keywords
Workday, Extend, digital transformation, HR technology, application development, platform company, custom solutions, user experience, integration, Built on Workday

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In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer interviews Demetrio Wazar-Santana, a seasoned Workday Solutions Architect. They discuss Demetrio's journey in the Workday ecosystem, the importance of understanding both implementation and post-production phases, and the critical role of documentation and change management in successful Workday projects. The conversation also covers the significance of user engagement in testing, data quality ownership, and aligning Workday solutions with business goals. Demetrio shares valuable insights from his recent stabilization projects and emphasizes the need for effective stakeholder engagement and governance.

Takeaways
- The role of a solutions architect involves looking at the big picture.
- Documentation is essential to avoid future pain points.
- Engaging users in testing helps identify issues early.
- Change management is crucial for user adoption.
- Data quality ownership can be a significant challenge.
- Stakeholder engagement is vital for project success.
- Aligning Workday solutions with business goals is essential.
- Just because you can implement a solution doesn't mean you should.

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Demetrio Wazar-Santana, follow and reach out to him on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwazar/

Keywords
Workday, Solutions Architect, Change Management, Data Quality, Stakeholder Engagement, User Testing, Documentation, HR Technology, Workday Implementation, Workday Stabilization

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In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and co-host Christian Delcid discuss key themes from chapter 8 “Managing Your Workday Team Well,” in Keith's book, Workday Gold Support Model Edition. They discuss effective team management and employee engagement within the Workday ecosystem. They explore the importance of providing authentic feedback, stepping out of comfort zones, and the significance of intentional leadership. The conversation also highlights creative ways to celebrate progress and foster a positive work environment, especially in a remote setting. 

Takeaways

- Providing feedback can be nerve-wracking but is essential for growth.

- Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for career development.

- Intentional leadership involves understanding team members' unique motivations.

- Employee engagement can be fostered through creative celebrations.

- Networking is vital for career advancement and opportunities.

- Work-life balance is important for employee satisfaction.

- Celebrating progress can enhance team morale and motivation.

- Remote work presents unique challenges for team engagement.

- Building relationships is key to retaining talent in competitive markets.

- Encouraging team members to share ideas can lead to innovative solutions.

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

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This week, Keith continues his conversation with Christian Delcid about chapter 7 in Keith's new book, Workday Gold: Software Support Model Edition. The chapter is entitled “Building Capacity Within Your Existing Team.”

In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss strategies for building capacity within existing teams, focusing on effective delegation, the importance of understanding team preferences, and how to manage support services like AMS (application management services). They also delve into the nuances of submitting support tickets and the art of troubleshooting, emphasizing the need for clear communication and detailed information to enhance efficiency. 

They also explore various themes related to career development, personal urgency, and the importance of understanding different thinking styles. They discuss the challenges of navigating career transitions, the significance of self-advocacy, and the need for effective communication and relationship-building in the workplace. The Rubik's Cube analogy illustrates the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving, emphasizing that collaboration and awareness of others' viewpoints can lead to better outcomes.

Takeaways

- Aligning work based on team members' preferences increases satisfaction.

- Delegation should consider what team members enjoy doing.

- Vetting AMS providers is crucial for effective support.

- Truly understanding the problem is key to effective troubleshooting.

- Create new opportunities for team members to learn new areas of Workday.

- Effective communication with support teams enhances collaboration.

- Burnout can stem from misalignment between personal values and job roles.

- Choosing the right company can significantly impact career growth opportunities.

- Self-advocacy is key in navigating workplace dynamics and career advancement.

- Being intentional about career choices leads to greater fulfillment. 

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

Keywords

Workday, team capacity, delegation, AMS, support tickets, troubleshooting, team management, Workday Gold, software support, effective communication, career coaching, work-life balance, burnout, personal urgency, self-advocacy, perspectives, problem-solving, team dynamics, mentoring, workplace relationships

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This week, Keith speaks with Christian Delcid about the first part of chapter 7 in Keith's new book, Workday Gold: Software Support Model Edition. The chapter is entitled “Building Capacity Within Your Existing Team.”

In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss strategies for building capacity within teams, particularly in the context of Workday software support. They explore the challenges of managing workloads, the importance of tracking time to understand projects versus daily support work and strategies for handling incoming requests. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI to enhance efficiency and the importance of asking for help when needed. The episode concludes with a reminder of the value of collaboration and support within the Workday ecosystem.

Takeaways

- Looking for ways to leverage your existing team capacity better is essential for effective team management.

- Firefighting mode is a common challenge in organizations.

- Tracking team member’s time helps you better understand your true capacity.

- Reducing incoming requests can alleviate team pressure.

- AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency in support tasks.

- Finding ways to delegate lower-level tasks can free up time for higher-level resources.

- Asking for help can save time and lead to quicker solutions.

- Setting realistic expectations is crucial for team morale.

- Creating knowledge articles or job aids can reduce repetitive inquiries.

Keywords

Workday, team capacity, workload management, AI, efficiency, support, project management, burnout, time tracking, organizational challenges

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

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In this episode of the Workday Gold podcast, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss Chapter 6 of Keith’s book, Staffing for Workday, as well as the intersection of AI and Workday, focusing on the staffing challenges within the Workday ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the need for creativity in sourcing talent and the significance of understanding both functional and technical aspects of Workday. 

In this conversation, Christian Delcid and Keith Bitikofer explore the dynamics of HR and IT roles within Workday, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and adaptability in team members. They discuss the necessity of having backup plans for staff, the impact of competitive rates on employee retention, and the significance of understanding different personality types when building effective support teams. The conversation highlights strategic considerations for organizations in managing their Workday staff and ensuring long-term success.

Takeaways

- AI is becoming increasingly accurate in providing Workday-related information.

- There is a limited pool of experienced Workday professionals.

- Internal candidates who understand the organization can be valuable hires.

- Hiring from within can lead to better team dynamics and retention.

- Career paths within companies are crucial for employee satisfaction.

- Interns and college students can be great sources of talent.

- The blend of HR knowledge and technical skills is essential for Workday roles.

- Hiring decisions should consider passion for the role, not just technical skills.

- Flexibility and creativity are key in the current talent market. 

- Having a backup plan for staff is crucial for risk management.

- Competitive rates are necessary to retain talent in the Workday ecosystem.

- Organizations must decide whether to be a training ground or retain top talent.

- A blend of personality types is important for effective team dynamics.

- Cross-training staff can mitigate risks associated with absences.

- Understanding the needs of end users is vital for effective solutions.

- Strategic planning is key to setting teams up for success.

Keywords

Workday, AI, staffing, HR, IT, talent acquisition, training, career paths, employee retention, Workday Gold, Workday, HR, IT, team dynamics, curiosity, risk management, personality types, support staff, competitive rates, employee retention

For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/

To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/

Find the Corner Consultants Workday Salary Survey here: https://cornerofficeconsultants.com/workday-salary-survey/