Digital Transformation, system upgrades or migration challenge is not technology but human behaviour. One of the least articulated role is the Change Agent. It is common to see incorrect stakeholders being assigned to these projects. Often, they are not decision makers, high resistance to change and most ignorant of the changes required. Their usual behavioural approach is “No change”. This is where the Change Agent steps in.
What is the truth, but a lie agreed upon.
Friedrich Nietzsche
By default, majority of humans are not receptive to changes. When existing processes and mindset remains entrenched, user resistance will be at its highest. This is often detrimental for new system introduction. Change management is often ignored due to existing users or teams which are not well adept to introducing changes. Thus, Change Agent will play an important role to guide these users into the new system. This role focus to identify changes and related user resistances. They also helps to manage and soothes users concerns.
The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.
Charles Kettering
Change Agent usually effect changes by influence and inspiration. This is in contrast to direct authoritative methods by traditional management. They usually have deep understanding of the change impact on users. Change Agent can be someone from with good communication and understanding of negotiation and persuasive skills. So, it will be a good success factor to include a Change Agent in your Digital Transformation or upgrades projects.
Danny Kwok 