I was thinking of all the change in the SAP and Successfactors HCM space, and although there is a lot that is new there is so much that is timeless. For example -
1 – Plan for change
Change happens; it always has and always will. But for some reason, we try to minimize, deny or batch it up into big chunks as if it is something to avoid. We can make these batches of change work, and we can also handle changes on a more continuous basis but denying change doesn’t lead to anything worthwhile. Whatever we do, change is going to happen so plan for it. Establish processes that allow and enable changes in a way that ensures value, stability, quality and speed and then – this is very important - allocate staff to handle it.
2 – Focus on value-added processes
Every client I have worked with can give me a few examples of internal processes they have that provide no discernible value, but they just can’t seem to shut them down. The processes might have provided value at some time in the past, but things changed and now they are what I call zombie processes – everyone dislikes them but no one can kill them off. With enough willpower and the right tools you can kill those zombie processes, and your group will be much better for it. Effort that is freed up from those zombie processes can be redeployed on those that generate more value.
3 – Unhack your system
The longer your HCM system has been installed, the more it has been hacked with modifications and out-of-bounds customization. That’s just the unfortunate nature of how most companies manage their software, but there is a price to pay for that: every hack increases your upgrade, maintenance and enhancement costs. Many times this is a result of the disconnect between end-users demanding changes but not being responsible for the cost of development and maintenance. Other times it is because your software didn't have the features you wanted at the time (hint: take another look now!). Regardless of how you got there, you can work on backing out those hacks, piece by piece, and getting to a more standard system.
4 – Build your people capabilities
You can have the best HCM software on the market, but if you don’t have staff who can implement, integrate and leverage it then you are not getting the full value you deserve. You can bring in outsourcing firms or consultants to provide some of those capabilities, but you are almost always better off when it is coming from your own staff. Use consultants to help you get started and to provide some additional external perspective now and then but for ongoing needs develop and rely on your own staff. Go after the best folks you can get and skip the rest, redeploy those who are no longer a good fit, invest in training and conferences, pay for results and trust your staff.
5 – Develop a professional value network
No one knows everything; no one has experienced it all. But when you can reach out to a network of peers and professionals for their perspective, your access to knowledge and experience increases dramatically. There are all sorts of places to learn about professional networking, but I think it comes down to one simple point: be nice. If you provide value to people, if you encourage and congratulate them, if you remain tactful and respectful then the network’s benefits will flow to you. I don’t know that nice guys finish last, but I do know that people like to help the nice guys.