Achieving Agile Success in the Public Sector
As the Agile Methodology continues to gain momentum in the public sector, we’ve put together a list of insights to help make your next Agile project a success. Initial Scope. Many of us rush straight into software development…because it’s Agile. But the most important step…
Read MoreFinding the (Often Hidden) Benefits of FI$Cal
Nearly all designated State departments have been using FI$Cal for at least a year now. And with such a complex system, it’s been challenging indeed. Many of us at Highlands are continuously evaluating how to help our clients take full advantage of FI$Cal and gain…
Read MoreEmbracing Change at the PegaWorld Conference
Last month, Eric Norton and I attended Pega’s annual conference, PegaWorld2019, along with 5,000 professionals from across the globe. Pega is an innovative platform that has automated business processes for large and small organizations, including a growing number of State of California departments. Highlands Consulting’s…
Read MoreThinking about Change Globally, Acting on Change Locally
I recently attended the 2019 ACMP Global Conference in Orlando with a new perspective this year. Having recently been appointed as Treasurer to the ACMP NorCal Chapter Board, my mission was twofold: to absorb the latest global thinking about change management, then to bring those…
Read More5 Ways to Manage Your Emotions During a Change
Maybe your organization’s big audacious goal involves changing technology and processes. Or perhaps you set some ambitious personal goals and are in the throes of marathon training or dieting. Whenever change is involved, some good, bad, and downright ugly emotions are bound to turn up.…
Read MoreFI$Cal: A Non-IT Project?
The Financial Information System for California, known as FI$Cal, is setting records for state IT project expenditures. But from the perspective of departments transitioning to this new technology, it’s not an IT project in the traditional sense. For these departments, success depends upon their ability…
Read MoreHuman Learning Theory… for All Ages!
All projects require learning of some kind – to work with a new team, to understand new processes, and/or to use new systems. As managers lead teams through the learning process, they can draw upon learning theories such as andragogy, constructivism, behaviorism, and cognitivism. But…
Read MoreChange Networks
A network, by definition, is a group or system of interconnected people or things. In a Change Management setting, we often times create a people-based network to introduce business change to the organization. Change Networks provide many benefits, one of which is to increase adoption…
Read MoreConsultant Speak vs. the Nitty Gritty
For nearly 30 years, I’ve enjoyed working in the government technology industry, focused on serving the State of California. Along the way, I’ve met and worked with hundreds of amazing consultants with business and technical expertise. In recent years, I’ve become sensitive to what our…
Read More5 Steps to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution
In the business world, 70% of new initiatives fail, resulting in the frustration of going over budget, being late, and/or not delivering expected benefits. Unfortunately, we experience the same transitional heartburn in our personal lives. Over 70% of “resolvers” successfully change through the first week…
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