The Symbiosis – Why are the 10 Elements the way to substantially increase the success of transformational projects?

29 April, 2019

As we indicated in our previous blog, we have described the 10 Elements as either principal or basic. Those denominated as principal have a strategic and fundamental dimension. The principal elements (see figure 1) can be considered as an upper layer of the project while having a fundamental impact on its success. The basic elements support the daily project activities contributing to its consolidation. The symbiosis of the principal and basic Elements is fundamental to the success of the project as indicated in our practices and research.

Figura 1

Principal Elements:

Governance: This refers to the stability and institutional strength that creates favorable conditions to manage a project and for effective decision making. The simpler, more functional and effective a project’s governance structure is the better it will progress and achieve the proposed objectives.
Committed Leadership (Top Management): Top management should take the lead on strategic projects with direct, in person, permanent participation and with a good dose of monitoring.
Change Vision: This expresses why the Project exists. There should be a clear, precise, concise, challenging, and motivating vision. It should be communicated and “lived” by all the groups impacted by the transformation project. The vision should be an excellent guide for all.
Change Culture (Understanding): To start a change process it is important to know the terrain you will be working in. This means knowing how the organization has confronted previous changes and having a detailed analysis of the impact the coming change will have.

Basic Elements:

Change Management: This is a set of practices to facilitate change that must be taken into account in the project plan. It includes the Change Management Team that a Group of people dedicated conceptualizing, implementing, and ensuring the results of these practices beginning with the business case, continuing during the whole project and into the stabilization process post-project
Performance and Incentives: It is necessary to measure performance during the project, in particular that of the management levels and team resources directly involved in the project. All of this should be complemented by a recognition plan that motivates and strengthens commitment. Performance evaluations of the leadership team should be more demanding as they are who define and approve the strategies from which the projects are derived.
Project Team: The project team should be made up of the best human resources, with excellent technical and personal qualifications. Furthermore, they should be rewarded for their accomplishments in carrying out the project with a sound incentives program, both motivational and economic.
Communication and Awareness: Considering that we are working with human beings, communication along with motivational work is essential for the success of the transformation process.
Change Management Budget: It is key to have financial resources allocated for change management activities starting from the feasibility study all the way through to those activities required after the go-live and maintained until the transformation’s success indicators are achieved.
Methodology: This refers to the organizational practices, applied in project implementations, which meet and satisfy their needs. It requires rigorous and disciplined monitoring of the work plan, including change management, by top management and the corresponding governance bodies.

In our upcoming blogs we will delve deeper into each Element and the Symbiosis. We will explain how they work together. Keep in mind that the 10 Elements for successful transformation processes are our proposal for a more methodical, rigorous, and disciplined way to guide the human factor in a transformation.

Now that you know the definition of the 10 Elements, we invite you to share how you have experienced them during transformation processes in which you may have participated.

To this end, we ask that you include your comments in this blog or write us at acarvajal@humangroup.com.co.