To upgrade the ICRC's geographical information system to enhance cross-unit collaboration, increase real-time geoanalysis capabilities, and improve the management of field crises.
The project aimed to transform the existing GIS infrastructure to support more dynamic and comprehensive geodata services, improve user experiences on the GeoPortal, and empower field operations with better tools for mapping and data collection.
Bee'z Consulting was pivotal in ensuring the project's change management strategies were seamlessly integrated with its technical objectives for a holistic transformation.
Situation
Prior to the project, the ICRC's GIS capabilities were limited, hindering internal collaboration and efficient crisis management. The existing system struggled with duplicated data, outdated technology, and heavy reliance on the central GIS team for developing necessary geodata applications.
Bee'z Consulting provided strategic change management support to address these challenges.
Key Tasks and Strategies for Transformation
- Change Readiness and Strategy Development: Bee'z Consulting conducted a comprehensive change readiness assessment and developed a strategic change management plan that included detailed resistance management strategies, communication plans, training frameworks, and sponsorship activities.
- Training and Empowerment: Bee'z Consulting designed and delivered custom training programs, creating interactive training materials and conducting train-the-trainer sessions to ensure knowledge transfer within the organization.
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Bee'z Consulting drafted and executed a robust communication strategy to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged through various formats, ensuring widespread awareness and support for the project.
- Sponsor Roadmap Planning and Coaching: Bee'z Consulting developed a detailed roadmap for project sponsors, outlining their roles and responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle. They provided ongoing coaching to ensure that sponsors were effectively supporting the change initiatives.
- Project Leader and SME Coaching: Bee'z Consulting offered targeted coaching to project leaders and subject matter experts to enhance their leadership skills and technical expertise, ensuring they could effectively manage and support the transformation process.
Actions and Impact
- Change Management Execution: Bee'z Consulting ensured the consistency and coordination of all change initiatives, closely monitored the adoption of new practices, and developed new tactics as necessary to address any emerging challenges in relation with the change brought by GIS4ALL across ICRC's global operations
- Stakeholder Planning and Management: Bee'z Consulting conducted regular stakeholder analyses, established feedback mechanisms, and adjusted strategies accordingly to ensure alignment with the needs and expectations of different groups within the ICRC.
Results of the Transformation
The transformation led to significantly enhanced collaboration across units, improved decision-making processes, and a more responsive operational structure capable of addressing crises effectively.
The strategic change management support from Bee'z Consulting, particularly their emphasis on sponsor and leader engagement, was pivotal in achieving these outcomes.
Conclusion
The GIS4ALL project stands as a testament to the importance of strategic change management in organizational transformations. Bee'z Consulting's comprehensive approach not only facilitated the technical upgrades to the ICRC's GIS capabilities but also ensured that the changes were deeply embedded within the organization's culture and workflows, setting a new standard for integrating strategic change management with technological advancements in the humanitarian sector.
