Summary
Implementing new data systems and processes is only half the battle—getting employees to adopt and embrace change is the real challenge. In this episode, we discuss why Organizational Change Management (OCM) is critical to success, how to create structured communication and training programs, and why repetition and stakeholder engagement are key to lasting transformation. If your company has struggled with low adoption rates, resistance to change, or failed technology rollouts, this episode will give you the tools to drive lasting organizational change. Listen now and ensure your next data initiative is a success!
Transcript
Jocelyn 00:02:
You’re listening to Infoverity’s Trust Us podcast, where you can gear up for your data management journey with bite-sized discussions on industry trends and thought leadership. On each episode, we feature industry experts to help you navigate your path to mastering your enterprise data.
Jocelyn 00:18:
Welcome to today’s episode! We’ll be talking to Sam Wade, an Associate Director at Infoverity, who leads the Organizational Change Management (OCM) Services team. Sam has been with Infoverity for five years and will share insights on what OCM is, why organizations should prioritize it, and how to ensure its success.
We’ll also discuss how Infoverity can assist organizations with their OCM initiatives. Sam, welcome to the podcast! We’re so happy to have you.
Sam Wade 00:57:
Thanks so much, Jocelyn! I came to Organizational Change Management later in my career, learning through both study and personal experience.
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of communication and training, which led to challenges with executive buy-in and user adoption. Through my professional journey, I’ve realized there’s a better way to approach change, and I’m excited to share insights today.
Jocelyn 01:41:
That’s great, Sam! Let’s start with a basic question—how do you define Organizational Change Management?
Sam Wade 01:54:
OCM is a structured approach to helping team members:
- Understand the change.
- Develop the skills needed to adapt.
- Transition smoothly while ensuring the success of both the system and the team.
Taylor Beckt 02:14:
Thanks, Sam. That’s a great definition.
You’ve touched on this already, but why should organizations prioritize OCM over other aspects of their tech initiatives?
Sam Wade 02:31:
It’s simple—without adoption, technology investments don’t deliver value.
Think about this scenario:
- 100% adoption results in full realization of business goals.
- 0% adoption means wasted investment.
Many initiatives, such as enterprise data management programs, require active user engagement to succeed. Without proper OCM, these projects often fail to meet expectations.
Taylor Beckt 03:33:
That makes total sense. Since OCM is critical to success, how can organizations ensure their change management efforts succeed?
Sam Wade 03:52:
Successful OCM requires a structured approach, including:
- Clarity on individual roles– Define what each person needs to stop doing, start doing, and why.
- Effective communication– Messages should be repeated multiple times, in various formats.
- Comprehensive training– Enable resources with recorded training, knowledge base articles, and hands-on support.
- Change networks– Foster internal collaboration so impacted team members can support each other.
- Issue reporting mechanisms– Many issues reported post-implementation are actually training gaps.
- Feedback loops– Conduct surveys, group discussions, and one-on-one interviews before and after go-live.
- Post-go-live support– Keep OCM resources available to adjust strategies as needed.
By following this approach, organizations can maximize adoption and protect their technology investments.
Jocelyn 05:40:
It sounds like repetition, structured communication, and ongoing support are essential to OCM success.
Sam, how can Infoverity support clients with their OCM efforts?
Sam Wade 06:06:
We created this service because we’ve seen how often OCM is neglected, despite its importance. Our team has deep expertise in both technology and change management, allowing us to:
- Quickly assess challenges and propose solutions.
- Leverage proven strategies from similar scenarios.
- Anticipate common hurdles and provide proactive guidance.
Our specialty is OCM for enterprise data management programs, meaning we deeply understand the unique challenges in this space.
Jocelyn 07:49:
That’s an important point—you don’t know what you don’t know. Having an experienced team can help organizations identify blind spots before they become issues.
Sam Wade 07:13:
Exactly! My experience hiring consultants has shaped how we operate. A great consultant makes the client smarter by helping them anticipate and prevent challenges before they happen.
We’ve been through this process many times, so we can ask the right questions:
- Have you considered this user group?
- Have you thought about this process impact?
- What about potential adoption roadblocks?
Jocelyn 09:43:
I love that perspective! To summarize today’s discussion:
- OCM is essentialfor technology adoption and maximizing investment value.
- A structured approachensures success—define roles, communicate effectively, train properly, and establish support systems.
- Infoverity specializes in OCM for enterprise data management, helping clients navigate change efficiently and effectively.
If this process seems overwhelming, Infoverity can help! Our team understands both technology and change management to drive successful transformation efforts.
Sam Wade 09:50:
I think you nailed it, Jocelyn!
Jocelyn 09:57:
Sam, thank you for sharing your expertise. Organizational Change Management is a critical part of any successful enterprise data management initiative, and we appreciate your insights!
Sam Wade 10:19:
Thanks for having me!
Taylor Beckt 10:23:
Thank you, Sam!
Jocelyn 10:27:
For over a decade, Infoverity has been a trusted leader in enterprise data management consulting. Our experts are located worldwide, with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and Valencia, Spain.
To learn more, visit infoverity.com. Additional contact details are in the show notes.