P2P

4 P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 F R O M T H E C E O H appy Spring (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere!)! Like groundhogs (I know, that was last month), we are starting to poke our heads out above ground and engage with the world again. Wonderful! Spring is full of leaps of faith and calculated risk. When can we put away the snow blower? How about taking out the patio furniture? Can the winter outerwear go back in the closet? This issue of Peer to Peer is all about the risk equation. Managing the risk associated with technology change. Identifying risks before we even set out helps us determine how to mitigate those risks as quickly as possible. Here are a few guiding principles that have helped me carry projects forward – at a variety of organizations in a variety of roles. • Define Success. Having a clear vision of success keeps team members – and consumers – focused and helps prevent scope creep. In my experience, scope creep is a leading cause of risk. • Don't Forget Operational Excellence. Your project plan needs to include how to support the new technology, including skills and processes. • Listen, Listen, Listen. Listen to your team members. Your pilot participants. Your Business Partners. Incorporating their perspectives and addressing their concerns can make the difference between success and less-than-success. • Tell the Truth, Even When It's Uncomfortable. Every relationship eventually comes down to trust. When we tell it like it is – "warts and all" – then people will believe us when we say everything is going to be OK. • Reward Curiosity. Welcome questions from team members and project participants. Give them as much of the big picture as possible. Communicate that vision of success early and often. When people know more, they connect the dots – and connecting the dots is a great way to manage risk. • Remember the Customer. Know who that customer is, and always keep the customer front and center. Joy Heath Rush joy@iltanet.org

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