5 best practices to manage change during a cloud transformation

Change is the only constant, and the journey towards a modern IT infrastructure involves a lot of transformation initiatives. Transforming IT is a technical challenge, but the human aspect of it should not be overlooked. Are people in the organization ready for this change? How to reduce uncertainty and keep the teams motivated? How to help people embrace the "new normal"?

With more than 20 years of experience in IT service delivery, practice development, and engagement management in multiple industries, Daniel was well-placed to give us a few expert tips for implementing the cloud in an organization.

Daniel Lettmayer is a leader in Cloud transformation. His passion is helping to enable business value through IT and Cloud with the human factor in mind.

Here are 5 best practices for an organization that is getting started with a cloud transformation. What should they consider people-wise?

Involve employees in the planning process

It is important to involve employees in the planning process for the cloud transformation. This will help to build buy-in and ensure that the transition is successful. Employees can provide valuable insights and ideas that can help to shape the cloud transformation strategy.

When employees feel that they have a say in the direction of the organization, they are more likely to be invested in the success of the cloud transformation.

Enable and train skills throughout the whole organization.

Relabeling developers/engineers/VM Admins to Cloud developers/engineers by putting them into a “Cloud cluster/tribe/cell/whatsoever” without proper training, certification, and hands-on peer coaching won’t do the job.

Ensure that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to work with new cloud technologies. Provide training and support throughout the transition process e.g. by hyperscaler certification programs or topic-based boot camps. This will help to build confidence and ensure that employees are able to use the new technology effectively.

Providing training and support shows that the organization is invested in the success of its employees and is willing to invest in their development.

Finally, allow people and teams to make errors. Even more, encourage them. Before, get buy-in from management. Better fail fast with low impact than fail late when it’s costly.

Communicate clearly and regularly

Leadership communication of the “why” is key during a cloud transformation. Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the change and understand the benefits of the cloud transformation. This includes employees, workers' council, advisory board, customers, and partners. Regular updates and clear communication can help to build trust and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

When employees understand the purpose behind the cloud transformation, they are more likely to be invested in its success.

Address concerns and resistance

Change can be difficult for some employees, e.g. they are afraid of losing their job or at least not being part of “the cool kids” team, hence there may be concerns or resistance to the cloud transformation. It is important to address these concerns and provide reassurance, especially with regard to new career perspectives or individual benefits.

Listen to feedback and be open to making adjustments to the cloud transformation strategy based on employee input. Addressing concerns and resistance shows that the organization values employee feedback and is willing to make changes to ensure a successful cloud transformation.

Celebrate successes and recognize contributions

Celebrate the successes of the cloud transformation and recognize the contributions of employees. This will help to build morale and ensure that employees are motivated to continue supporting the transition.

Recognizing employee contributions can also help to build a culture of innovation and collaboration. When employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions, they are more likely to be invested in the success of the cloud transformation.

BONUS - Perseverance.

It took nearly 80 years of IT to be where we are. Cloud transformation won’t take that long but also takes time and ongoing good communication. Time, change, and experience can’t be squeezed (although, let's see what quantum gravity powered by Cloud will bring!).

For more information on how Deloitte supports organizations in their cloud transformation initiatives, have a look at this page.

Download our complete whitepaper on the best practices to manage change and accompany teams during a cloud transformation.

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