Transformation & Change Management

• Certified Lean Practitioner
• Evaluate Current State
• Target Operating Modeling
• End to End Processes Analysis
• Lean Methodology & Continuous Improvement
• Enterprise systems
• Global Business & Shared Services

Over my career, which spans more than 35 years, I have worked at all levels in finance and operations, working for startups up to large public companies.  

Of the many positions and areas of expertise and skills I have developed over the years, the one I have enjoyed the most has been leading transformation and change across functional departments and the whole enterprise. This is also one of the most difficult skills to refine as transformation and change is often met with skepticism and resistance.

To transform and change a company involves working with cross-functional teams to execute key strategic initiatives, enhance processes, implement best practices, and reduce costs. What I have found to be the biggest mistake made in most organizations is doing it from the top down.

To be successful at transformation and change you need the support of senior management, but you also need to utilize a bottom-up approach. It is very important to include people doing work at all levels. Using a bottom-up approach includes people who can identify where the waste is as well as often having great ideas on how to improve the way things are done. The ability to gain their trust and allow them to speak freely is the biggest hurdle. People are often hesitant and guarded about sharing their ideas because it could be looked down upon by management as questioning their integrity. Once you get them to open up, they can be your biggest change champions within the organization.

I have found that using lean methodology, continuous improvement, and not trying to change everything at once is the best strategy. Working toward a couple of small successes to start, show that it is possible. By celebrating those successes and building on that momentum, that success will continue to grow and more people will jump on the bandwagon. It is also important to keep in mind that you will fail at points during this process. Fail quickly, use lessons learned and move on. Don’t be afraid to take measured risks.

I do have one word of caution for anyone that is thinking about initiating transformation and change, it is not for the faint of heart, and you better have thick skin as you will be tested throughout this whole process. You will also need patience and the patience of senior leadership as this is not an overnight undertaking and they shouldn’t expect instant success. It will take time but, in the end, if done right the benefits that this will generate both from a tangible and intangible aspect will be immense. 

Transformation and change is a team sport and needs to be executed that way. This is why I named my company All Hands Transformation Group. It takes everybody to change. With that in mind I will leave you with one of my favorite Peter Drucker quotes, “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old”.

Scott Meyers Certified Lean Practitioner