Big top-down transformation programs rarely succeed. Big projects almost always lead to complete failure or disappointment. Small to moderate-sized transformations are over 11 times more likely to succeed than very large efforts.
The key to a better way forward is to embrace the idea that substantial changes can be triggered by small, focused actions that can be replicated to produce change.
With that in mind, develop an implementation plan that uses a bottom-up Kaizen like approach to improving resource allocation decision-making.
De-risk your transformation. Start small. Figure it out. Make it work better. Replicate what works.
Start with a value stream where improved resource allocation will make a difference quickly. Pilot a program to implement the key principles outlined above within that value stream.
Once you’ve made it work in one value stream, you can repeat the process in other value streams.
These better bottom-up processes will start to feed the backbone resource allocation process with better and more trusted information.
As the transformation unfolds, these more trusted bottom-up processes will increase the amount of decentralized power in the organization, allowing you to re-architect the backbone resource allocation processes and make them more strategic.
Document, Measure, Learn, Improve