I started the new role as a key initiative lead this week, learning, discussing with teams, and preparing for the executive meeting on Friday. It started well, I had good conversations to form/ continue the partnership with 3 key players. My manager initiated a meeting to share/ discuss the new structure/ plan for the initiative with leaders of other departments and (surprisingly?) we encountered quite a bit ‘resistance’ and 1 key leader even walked out of the meeting.
To be fair, change is hard for everybody, especially a project with high attention, investment, and involvement of long-timers and senior executives. An experienced and highly-involved colleague described the system as the most (tech) complex, changes-involved initiative the company has taken. Many changes/ uncertainties are along the way, on top of that, now with new goal, KPIs, and leader. It’s understandable of people’s concerns.
Actually, it’s great that people expressed feelings and questions so we first ‘know’ them, second, we all think more and take the time to communicate/ align before rolling in full speed. The timing is also good with the project expansion (naturally facing growing pains) and foreseen evolution from scaling to optimization.
The ultimate goal and progress continue yet we decided to adjust the phase-in pace with a ‘softer’ approach. The initiative involves product/ tech development as well as people/ process change management. I believe people make things happen.
The following meetings (alignment, prep & with executives) went well, an incredible roller coaster ride this week. Trust is earned; I started taking actions and I’m excited about the opportunity and grateful for people’s supports/ faith in me. The project name A* represents the spirit well, ‘innovative, current, and connected’!
*exclude for confidentiality