DRIVES

D.R.I.V.E.S. – a blueprint for change White Paper

Within companies there inevitably come times when change is required. Whether it’s due to a company’s growth and evolution or a response to external forces, staying the course may no longer an option. Figuring out the path to take towards accomplishing change is easier said than done. Where to even start and what factors need to be considered? How can new strategic goals be achieved in the most straightforward way possible? To help direct businesses and employee engagement we do this through the “D.R.I.V.E.S.” framework:

Discovery time to get all team players on board
Review as-is process (current state analysis)
Identify best practices
Verify optimal to-be state
Evaluate the change
Start the change

Discovery time

Change is often met by resistance. Inclusion of a discovery phase provides an opportunity to open the lines of communication with employees to prepare and energize them for the process ahead. Employee buy-in can make or break the success of any venture. Including them from the very beginning can help mitigate this and smooth the way ahead.

Review as-is process

This initial planning step involves the analysis and mapping of the specific area(s) that require improvement. This leads to a thorough and detailed understanding of the current state in terms of people, processes, technology and time requirements and helps to pinpoint the areas that warrant special focus.

Identify Best Practices

Research into the options available in addressing a specific issue is essential to help determine the best course of action. Investigation of industry best standards and review of solutions employed elsewhere raises awareness of viable methods that consistently deliver superior results.

Verify Optimal to-be state

This step includes the creation of a project plan and the thorough mapping and design of the new future state. Applying techniques such as 5S (sort, straighten, sweep, systematic cleaning, standard, sustaining), 5 whys, workflow leveling and waste analysis further ensures the veracity of the plan.

Evaluate the Change

An evaluative stage is key in order to confirm that the chosen strategy and plan is indeed the optimal one. Development of documentation such as checklists, implementation plans and communication strategies for the transition from current state to future state help track progress and measure the results.

Start the Change

Once all employees have a clear understanding of the new structure and processes and how implementation will take place it’s time for the new plan to roll out and take flight. Continued evaluation and review will help ensure that processes work effectively and to optimal advantage.

Why would you engage in the DRIVES process?

DRIVES helps organizations to clearly define critical success factors and provide a collaboration framework to ensure that the changes address a more holistic approach than one that is singularly focussed on cost reduction. It allows for risks to be tabled and scenarios to be included in establishing the future state. The DRIVES methodology provides a framework for Project Leadership while providing an avenue for focussed team effort. Through this it enables effective change management communication and provides information to allow for HR preparedness.

For more information contact Retention Strategy Value Partners request@retention.ca