DGCpartners

EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACCOUNTABILITY As I recently transitioned into supporting municipal administration, I was struck by several realities that accountability truly begins with leadership - and when it’s flawed or inadequate it’s really obvious. Every decision made by leaders sets the tone for a culture of ownership and responsibility within the organization. In today’s world, the importance of accountable #leadership shines through. Organizations that prioritize strong leadership accountability experience remarkable employee retention rates, high productivity, and up to increased profitability - highlighting the link between responsible leadership and enduring success. Legacy leaders committed to making a positive impact understand that accountability starts at the top. Leaders who embody the values of commitment, transparency, and responsibility inspire their teams to do the same. This leadership approach fosters a collaborative, adaptive, and resilient culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute their best work toward the shared mission. In an energized environment, accountability not only drives performance but also cultivates a profound sense of purpose. When #leaders, #management, and team members work together in a spirit of #trust and respect, they create a workplace where everyone thrives. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and build a legacy of #success that reflects our collective, collaborative efforts. My name is Don Gleason and I’m here to help close a leadership gap in your organization or coach your staff to leadership #excellence. REACH OUT to me here on #LinkedIn to discuss your organization’s need. #innovation #recruiting DGCpartners #opentowork #governance #Hiring #Future #DGCpartners

5 METRICS FOR GAUGING PROJECT & TECHNOLOGY SUCCESS - Our clients frequently ask for advice on the best way to evaluate the success of project and #technology investments. Depending on the governance and #portfoliomanagement model used, there can be numerous nuanced ways to measure #success. Throughout any initiative's lifecycle, it’s essential to evaluate at least five key metrics: cost, schedule, satisfaction, quality, and performance against the #business case or program master plan. A formal evaluation across the program, portfolio, #PMO, and project is imperative to ensure transparency and avoid surprises. Assessing how the project aligns with original estimates is essential at any given point, as it serves as a gatekeeper for advancing through the project lifecycle and subsequent tasks. Here are the 5 essential metrics to evaluate the present & #future state of the initiatives: 1?? Cost - Prioritize cost #management and assess the project’s performance compared to the plan. Understanding variances between current spending and the budget is crucial. Leveraging technology for real-time expenditure checks is vital for effective change management. 2?? Schedule (Baseline & Approved Changes)—Adhering to the original schedule is vital for success. Regular updates to the schedule should occur bi-weekly or semi-monthly to reflect progress- using a visualization tool (e.g., MS Excel, MSProject, or others.) 3?? Scope & Stakeholder Satisfaction - Engage with stakeholders to gauge their feelings about the project and identify areas for improvement. While challenging to document statistically, obtaining a satisfaction rating from stakeholders can be helpful. 4?? Quality Assurance - Conducting a quality review at the end of each project phase is critical. Ensure project management practices align with the #changemanagement process, using modern project management solutions for necessary checks during the #quality review. 5?? Performance to Business Case—Keep the business case at the forefront, ensuring that benefits are realistically stated and that the business problem still exists. Assess the project if business conditions change to determine its relevance and necessity. ??Remember, the evaluation process is not set in stone. It’s flexible and can be tailored to your organization’s needs, empowering you to take control of it and make it work for you. Be sure to modify this list to include metrics important to your organization. It's important to focus on the essentials rather than tracking everything. It’s especially important not to get trapped into tracking low-to-no-value items—just because you can doesn’t mean you should! #DGCpartners #futurism #businesscase

Leadership significantly impacts company & team morale by demonstrating commitment, understanding, solidarity, mutual respect & #trust. When #leaders actively participate in tasks alongside their team(s), it further enhances mutual respect & loyalty - while improving communication. This approach boosts morale & provides leaders with #insights into daily challenges, enabling better decision-making & resource allocation. Trust is foundational to team & company loyalty - creating a secure environment where team members feel valued & understood. Thereby encouraging them to commit fully to the #team’s goals & objectives! This mutual respect & commitment lead to stronger, more cohesive #teams. If you want to get more insights into effective & adaptive #leadership & #governance, ring my ?? and reach out to me here on #LinkedIn Don Gleason DGCpartners #opentowork #management #bestadvice #leadership #innovation #business #technology #recruiting #hiring

INCREDIBLE! Here’s a de-identified candidate rejection letter I just received: “Like the world around us, our work is constantly changing and our customers need us more than ever to support their critical missions that impact our Nation. While the role that you applied to closely matches your skillset, we are moving forward with another candidate. We would love to have you join the team and explore another opportunity that matches your strong skillset, background, and location preferences. We currently have many other exciting opportunities available. Please visit our Careers page at any time to view and apply to our open positions. Not seeing any opportunity matches at this time? Be sure to sign up for career alerts to be the first to hear about new openings tailored to you! We look forward to speaking with you again about how you can own your opportunity at the company.” I’ve never felt so good about being rejected - This is exactly how companies should handle job candidate rejections! The letter strikes a perfect balance between being professionally direct while maintaining an encouraging & forward-looking tone. What stands out is how they: 1?? Acknowledge the candidate’s valuable skillset 2?? Keep the door wide open for future opportunities 3?? Provide specific, actionable next steps 4?? Make the candidate feel valued despite not being selected 5?? Maintain engagement through their career alerts option It’s amazing how this transformed what could have been a totally discouraging rejection into an opportunity for future connection. More companies should adopt this model, as it: ?? Preserves candidate goodwill ?? Builds a strong talent pipeline ?? Demonstrates professional respect ?? Creates brand ambassadors, even among non-selected candidates ?? Shows emotional intelligence in corporate communications ?? To other employers: Consider that every rejected candidate is potentially a #future employee, customer, or industry partner. Taking the time to craft thoughtful, encouraging rejection letters like this one isn’t just kind – it’s smart #business! It costs nothing to be respectful and supportive, but the returns in terms of reputation & maintained relationships are invaluable. This letter is a #masterclass in how to turn a “no” into a “not right now, but let’s stay connected!” #Hiring #recruiting #JobSearch #job #jobs #jobinterviews #interview #opentowork

Complex Program Management vs. Routine Program/Project Management - Come on, is there really a difference? Complex program management & routine program/project management differ significantly in their scope, focus & the challenges they present. Here’s a breakdown of some of the differences: 1?? SCOPE & SCALE - Complex program management involves overseeing a collection of related projects - interconnected & often interdependent. This requires a broader perspective, as the program manager must consider how changes in one project can affect others within the program. In contrast, routine project management typically focuses on a single project with defined objectives, timelines, & deliverables, making it more straightforward in terms of scope. 2?? STRATEGIC FOCUS vs. TACTICAL EXECUTION - Complex #ProgramManagement is more strategic in nature. It aims to align multiple projects with overarching organizational goals and initiatives, ensuring that they collectively deliver value & drive change. Routine project management, however, is more tactical, concentrating on the operational aspects of completing a project on time & within budget. 3?? COMPLEXITY & UNCERTAINTY - The complexity of managing multiple interrelated projects introduces a higher level of uncertainty & risk. Complex program mgmt is more likely to encounter challenges such as resource allocation conflicts, shifting priorities & the need for adaptive #strategies to respond to unforeseen issues. Routine project management, while it can also face challenges, generally deals with a more predictable environment where processes & outcomes are clearer. 4?? COORDINATION & SYNERGY - In complex program management, there is a significant emphasis on creating synergies among projects - involving coordinating efforts to maximize efficiency & effectiveness across the program, which can lead to better resource utilization & innovation. Routine project management typically doesn’t require this level of coordination, as it focuses on the successful delivery of a single project w/o the need to integrate with others. 5?? RISK MANAGEMENT - Complex program #management often results in greater potential for cost overruns & delays due to its intricate nature & the multitude of variables involved. Effective #risk mgmt. strategies must be employed to navigate these complexities. In contrast, routine project management tends to have clearer risk parameters, making it easier to implement std. risk mitigation techniques. ?? Complex program management is characterized by its strategic, broad-scope approach to managing interrelated projects, while routine project mgmt focuses on tactical execution of individual projects. The increased complexity & uncertainty in program management necessitate advanced coordination & risk management strategies to achieve successful outcomes. I have a business partner who believes people who can do complex program management are ‘a dime a dozen’ - what do you think?

Today’s organizations face unique challenges that demand sophisticated solutions. DGCpartners (DGC) provides comprehensive services designed to empower businesses to navigate these complexities with confidence Specializing in complex program management, M&A #technology due diligence, #ITgovernance, business continuity planning, and Medicaid policy & compliance, DGC is your trusted ally in achieving operational excellence & strategic #success PROGRAM #MANAGEMENT - Managing multifaceted programs can be daunting, especially in environments with rapid change, regulatory demands, or intense competition. DGC delivers unparalleled expertise to execute programs efficiently & align them with strategic objectives. Our tailored approach leverages #BestPractices & innovative methodologies to streamline processes, mitigate risks & achieve measurable outcomes. From ideation through execution & monitoring, we offer support that empowers you to reach your goals effectively M&A TECH DUE DILIGENCE - M&As present growth opportunities but also inherent risks. We understand the complexities of M&A transactions. We provide thorough assessments & analyses of potential challenges, identifying strengths, weaknesses & red flags jeopardizing success. We evaluate often hidden financial, operational & technological aspects to help you make informed decisions - driving value & minimizing risk. IT GOVERNANCE - Technology underpins nearly every business operation. DGC offers comprehensive ITgov services to help establish robust frameworks that align IT strategy with business objectives. We provide policy development, #risk management, compliance & performance metrics. Leveraging best practices to enhance operational efficiency, safeguard critical assets & foster accountability & transparency. BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING - We help you prepare to respond to disruptions affecting operations, reputation & profitability. DGC specializes in #BCP, assisting in identifying potential risks & developing strategies to ensure resilience. We help assess vulnerabilities, design response strategies & implement training programs that prepare your workforce for action. MEDICAID - Navigating #Medicaid can be overwhelming. Our expert guidance ensures you remain compliant with ever-changing regs. Together, we develop & implement strategies to meet CMS requirements while enhancing operational efficiency & service delivery. WHY DGCPARTNERS? - Choosing us means partnering with a team dedicated to your success. We take pride in building lasting relationships & providing ongoing support as your organization evolves. Our success is reflected in our clients’ achievements—streamlining operations, improving compliance & driving growth. Whether you’re a state agency, a commercial firm navigating digital transformation, or involved in an M&A; our proven methodologies & insights consistently deliver results. Visit DGCPARTNERS.com & connect on LinkedIn to start your journey to success. #DGCpartners

Project failure rates remain a significant concern across industries, with many organizations struggling to deliver projects successfully. Recent statistics indicate that ~75% of Project #Management Offices (PMOs) fail within the first 3 years due to various factors, including improper setup & unrealistic expectations. Additionally, nearly half of strategic initiatives fail due to a lack of alignment with business objectives, which can lead to budget overruns & missed deadlines. The Role of Seasoned PMs & PMO Leaders FACT: Seasoned project managers (PMs) and PMO leaders play a crucial role in reducing failure rates! Their experience often translates into better decision-making, improved communication & a deeper understanding of project dynamics. DID YOU KNOW that organizations where #leadership can make decisions in under one hour have a 58% #success rate, compared to just 18% when decision-making takes five hours? This highlights the importance of having experienced #leaders who can act swiftly & effectively. Moreover, organizations that prioritize soft skills in project leadership are 8% less likely to lose budget to project failure and 12% less likely to experience scope creep. Seasoned PGMs/PMs typically possess soft skills, which are essential for navigating complex project environments. ENCOURAGING COMPANIES TO CONSIDER SEASONED CANDIDATES To encourage companies to consider seasoned PMs & PMO leaders apply the #strategies: 1?? Highlighting Success Stories: Sharing case studies & success stories where experienced PMs have turned around failing projects can demonstrate their value. 2?? Promoting Training & Practical Experience over Certifications: Emphasizing the importance of experience & ongoing training over certification for PMs can help organizations recognize the benefits of hiring seasoned professionals. 3?? Creating Awareness of Best Practices: Educating organizations about the best practices in project management, including the importance of aligning projects with #business goals, can help them appreciate the expertise that seasoned PMs bring. 4?? Fostering a Culture of Project Management: Companies should cultivate a culture that values project management as a critical function, including recognizing & rewarding effective leadership and project management practices. 5?? Encouraging Communication: Establishing clear communication channels between PMs & senior leadership can help organizations understand the strategic value that experienced PMs contribute. These strategies can help companies better recognize the potential of seasoned PMs & PMO leaders to drive project success & reduce failure rates. ??Opting for cheaper resources instead of seasoned PMs can significantly increase project failure risk?? Companies should recognize the value of experienced PMs, as their expertise can lead to better alignment with business goals & ultimately drive project success. #innovation #DGCpartners #opentowork #pmo

You’ve seen my posts (and others) regarding the importance of strong IT governance - DID YOU KNOW that strong governance does more than ensure project #success? You’ve heard from me time & again - now Deloitte’s research substantiates that strong IT governance actually empowers organizations to make faster, more informed decisions about #technology investments, aligning resources with #strategic priorities. In addition, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the impact on the bottom line is undeniable. A BCG study concluded that companies with robust digital governance enjoy a staggering 2.6X higher revenue growth and nearly 2X higher profit margins than their less-governed counterparts. As we advocate - focusing on #governance, agile & hybrid methodologies, and a culture of #innovation helps fuel dramatic improvements in customer experience & operational efficiency. TIMEOUT! - It’s time to pause, reflect, and consider the following: 1?? Does a lack of strong governance hinder your organization’s modernization efforts? 2?? Are you struggling to leverage the latest technologies & best practices due to limited collaboration & partnerships? 3?? Are you unsure how to measure & drive the outcomes of your #modernization initiatives? THINK ABOUT IT… are you reflecting on the fact that: 1?? Without well-defined governance, modernization efforts become disjointed, lose focus, and drag on endlessly (or worse, complete without achieving needed/required outcomes.) 2?? The lack of collaboration & partnerships is limiting access to state-of-the-art technologies & valuable insights. 3?? Without a metric-driven approach, it’s challenging to assess the impact of modernization initiatives and make informed decisions. IF UNADDRESSED, these challenges can lead to costly delays, missed opportunities, and a failure to realize the full benefits of digital modernization. Worse yet, the real result is likely to be lost market share, increased operational costs, and difficulty attracting and retaining top talent. STRONG IT GOVERNANCE IS A PreREQUISITE FOR SUCCESS! Wouldn’t it be great to have a partner who provides Leadership and practical guidance on implementing and establishing a strong governance model (structure/framework) and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with industry, academia, and other international partners to enable state-of-the-art technologies and best practices? It would be best if you had a #leader who advocates for a metric-driven approach to monitor & ensure desired outcomes promised from the modernization initiatives - ensuring a robust framework, measurable progress, and impactful results. DGCpartners can help - we parachute ?? in and work with your leadership & teams to ensure a successful & enduring #transformation CONTACT US TODAY, and let’s discuss your situation. #business #DGCpartners #bestadvice #recruiters #opentowork #fCIO #PMO #recruiter #ITGOV #executivesandmanagement

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION - 8 WAYS TO IMPROVE THE PATIENT INTAKE PROCESS: Real-World Ways to Leverage Technology, including AI. Optimizing the patient intake process is essential for clinical practices to ensure patients are welcomed efficiently. Here are 8 practical #strategies to enhance this process for everyone’s benefit. ??Optimize the Forms—Intake forms gather vital information needed by practitioners, such as age, gender, visit reason, and insurance details. It’s crucial to collect only the necessary information to streamline the process. ?? Use Online Forms—Implementing online forms via kiosks, tablets, or phones minimizes misunderstandings caused by handwriting and speeds up information delivery to staff. ?? Omit Unnecessary Information - Tailor forms to require only essential details, like the reason for the visit, before submission. Encourage patients to bring their insurance cards to appointments. ?? Customize Forms - Adjust forms based on patient responses to keep the process efficient. ?? Collect Signatures Online—Digital signatures for paperwork, including HIPAA policies, simplify the #patientintake process. Paperless methods enhance data security and reduce costs associated with paper usage. ?? Validate Payment & Insurance Promptly—Collecting payments can be challenging, but obtaining copays upfront is beneficial. Verify insurance details at each appointment to familiarize staff with coverage and patient responsibilities. This proactive approach allows patients to manage financial obligations before the visit. ?? Offer Pre-Appointment Paperwork - Send patients the ‘paperwork’ before appointments, allowing them to complete it in advance. This preparation leads to a smoother intake process upon arrival, increasing the likelihood that patients will come prepared. ?? Use the Right Technology Solutions - Invest in software & hardware that improve patient relationships & streamline the intake process. Effective systems can track call volumes, manage patient flow, & enhance connections with referring providers. The right #technology facilitates payment collection, gathers necessary patient information, and confirms insurance details efficiently. ?? These patient intake optimization strategies help clinical practices improve the patient intake process - benefiting both staff and patients. #healthcare #innovation #DGCpartners #optimization #CambridgeRetailAdvisors

Recently, someone (a client) asked me about the best work environment I’ve been part of or helped #transform. I immediately thought of an experience with a Blues plan in New England, affectionately dubbed ‘the land of misfit toys.’ My employer mishandled the client relationship & staffed the project with people who “needed new assignments.” It was clear that #success required building an outstanding team, even without the luxury of choosing members myself. Drawing from my #leadership background & as a CIO, I focused on the essence of TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More! My experiences in athletics and the military taught me the key to team success: camaraderie. #Camaraderie is crucial in challenging #business environments, creating a unique bond. It fosters unity among diverse individuals working towards a shared goal, even amid stress and obstacles. It transcends workplace interactions, motivating people to collaborate beyond personal interests for the company’s benefit. Many team members were seen as misfits, reassigned to this outpost to avoid unemployment. Yet, we quickly united, sharing a vision & approach with our 75-member team. The bonds we formed ensured mutual support, creating a powerful sense of having someone always at your back. In just over three years, we transformed a dysfunctional IT department into a high-performing team. This taught me how compassion, empathy, and empowerment can forge #teams capable of achieving extraordinary results. Being part of a team has been integral to my identity throughout my career. It’s the best way to accomplish goals. I’ve refined and reused this model repeatedly, delivering exceptional results for clients in North America & Europe. At UHG-Optum, as VP of Government Programs #Management, we applied this model to turn a multi-million-dollar loss into a thriving billion-dollar business unit. Have you reflected on your career achievements? It’s worth doing. Is your #PMO, IT, or #ITGovernance struggling? Reach out - we can create a plan to transform from within - we equip your team(s) for sustainable success! Let’s make things happen - DM me today! #BestAdvice DGCpartners #Innovation #future #futurism #digitaltransformation