How do you coordinate change and release schedules with stakeholders?

1 Define the scope and impact of changes

Before you schedule any changes or releases, you need to define the scope and impact of them. This means identifying what components, systems, or services will be affected by the change, how they will be modified, and what benefits or risks they will bring. You also need to assess the impact of the change on the stakeholders, such as how it will affect their work, performance, availability, or security. By defining the scope and impact of changes, you can prioritize them according to their urgency, complexity, and dependency.

2 Communicate the change and release plan

Once you have defined the scope and impact of changes, you need to communicate the change and release plan to the stakeholders. This means informing them of the purpose, objectives, and expected outcomes of the changes or releases, as well as the schedule, roles, and responsibilities involved. You also need to provide them with the relevant documentation, such as change requests, test plans, release notes, or user guides. By communicating the change and release plan, you can ensure that the stakeholders are aware, informed, and prepared for the changes or releases.

3 Involve the stakeholders in the change and release process

Communication is not enough; you also need to involve the stakeholders in the change and release process. This means soliciting their feedback, input, or approval at different stages of the process, such as design, testing, deployment, or verification. You also need to collaborate with them on resolving any issues, risks, or conflicts that may arise during the process. By involving the stakeholders in the change and release process, you can ensure that the changes or releases meet their needs, expectations, and standards.

4 Monitor and evaluate the change and release outcomes

After you have implemented the changes or releases, you need to monitor and evaluate the change and release outcomes. This means measuring and reporting on the performance, quality, and value of the changes or releases, as well as the satisfaction, feedback, or complaints of the stakeholders. You also need to identify and address any gaps, errors, or problems that may occur after the changes or releases. By monitoring and evaluating the change and release outcomes, you can ensure that the changes or releases deliver the intended benefits and results.

5 Learn and improve from the change and release experience

Finally, you need to learn and improve from the change and release experience. This means analyzing and documenting the lessons learned, best practices, and improvement opportunities from the change and release process and outcomes. You also need to share and apply the knowledge and insights gained from the change and release experience to future changes or releases. By learning and improving from the change and release experience, you can ensure that you continuously enhance your change and release management skills and capabilities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?