Kelly LaForest (Alumni)
Governance is good.
But let’s face it. People don’t like rules. ?
So if you’re going to set standards, here’s my recommendations:
Recommendations – The Rules:
- Let people know what is a guideline (flexible) and what is a rule (stick to it).
- Make sure there’s a good reason for each one.
- Don’t make unnecessary rules for the sake of having them.
- Document the key decisions. Circulate the decisions. When people complain, refer back to the decisions.
- Be willing to review the decisions on an ongoing basis.
- Why: Because Microsoft makes changes weekly. Your people and your organization’s needs change too.
- If a decision needs to be changed, make a plan that include things such as setting a date, announcing the change, explaining the “What, So What, Now What”, and following up.
- This will require messengers and fact checkers and helpers. People are busy. Help them help you.
Recommendations – The Decision Makers:
- Have the correct group of people at the table making those decisions.
- Include people from Communications, HR and UI/UX who understand how people speak, feel, and think.
- Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis or circle debates.
- Choose someone in the organization who is going to have the final say/ hold the VETO card.
- Avoid having that person being a narcissist or a right fighter.
- We’re looking for someone that can empathize with others yet also understands they can’t make everyone happy because there are some responsibilities that must be followed.
Side rant: IT shouldn’t drive the business. Our job is to inform and to protect, not rule with an iron fist.