Choices were made …and changed

The image in this post sparked quite the conversation at BA Life . What happened that caused milk to end up in the alcohol section? What series of decisions were in place that led to possibly a substitution, delay or reprioritisation of the need for milk?

Being BAs, this of course led us to think about pivots in change projects...?

Change is an inherent part of growth, whether it’s adopting new technologies, restructuring teams, or developing new products, change projects are critical to staying competitive. However, the path to successful transformation is rarely straightforward.

For those not familiar with the term this is where the concept of "pivots" comes into play - a strategy that can make the difference between a project that flounders and one that thrives. For the fans of TV’s ‘Friends’ reading this, it’s not just about getting a sofa up the stairs!

So what is a pivot?

A pivot, in the context of change management, refers to a deliberate shift in strategy, approach, or direction during the course of a project. It's not a sign of failure but a recognition that the current path isn't leading to the desired outcomes, and adjustments are necessary to achieve success. This concept is borrowed from the startup world, where businesses/projects often pivot in response to customer feedback or unforeseen challenges.?

A pivot can involve altering project goals, reallocating resources, adopting new technologies, or even redefining the problem the project is trying to solve. The key is to remain agile and responsive to new information, ensuring the project stays aligned with its objectives and the organisation’s overall strategy.?

The necessity of pivots arises from the complexity and unpredictability inherent in most change. Rarely does a project unfold exactly as planned. Market conditions shift, new risks emerge, stakeholder expectations evolve, and initial assumptions can prove incorrect. Pivots provide a way to address these challenges, allowing course - corrections without losing momentum.

Examples of pivots

Here are some common scenarios where pivots become essential:?

1. Unforeseen External Factors: Changes in regulations, market conditions, or competitive landscapes can render original project plans obsolete or less effective.?
2. Technological Advancements: As new technologies emerge, they may offer better solutions than those originally planned, making a pivot towards these technologies a strategic move.?
3. Stakeholder Feedback: Ongoing feedback from stakeholders - be it customers, employees, or partners – might highlight areas where the project needs to adapt to better meet needs and expectations.?
4. Internal Discoveries: Sometimes, issues within the project team or process, such as inefficiencies or misalignments, are only uncovered once the project is underway. A pivot can help address these issues by refining the approach.?

Pivots and risk

Pivots, while necessary, are not without risk. Executing them effectively requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some strategies to ensure a successful pivot:?

1. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: The foundation of a successful pivot is robust monitoring of project progress and outcomes. Regular check - ins, feedback loops, and performance metrics help identify when a pivot is necessary. A key concern is ensuring data driven decisions differentiate between causation and simple correlation.?
2. Clear Communication: Transparency with all stakeholders is crucial. Communicate the reasons for the pivot, how it will impact the project, and what the new goals and strategies are. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can support the shift.?
3. Agility and Flexibility: Encourage a culture of agility within the project team. This means being open to change and ready to adapt processes, timelines, and roles as needed.?
4. Risk Management: Pivots involve risks, and these should be managed carefully. Conduct a risk assessment before implementing a pivot to understand potential downsides and prepare contingency plans.?
5. Leadership Support: For a pivot to be successful, it needs the backing of leadership. This includes not just approval, but active support in driving the change and addressing any resistance.?

Pivots in life

For examples of real-life pivots consider BA Life , founded back in the heady days of 2019. We were deep into planning our first conference. Speakers were lined up, the venue booked, and?we were looking forward to welcoming attendees in person...

...and then Covid hit, which certainly required us to pivot!??

• The move to an online conference requires, amongst other things:
• Selection of new technology
• Change of format for speakers
• Buy-in from our stakeholders (sponsors, speakers and ticket holders)
• Management of the risks the move online could pose

But also...

• The competitive advantage that it could afford. For example, we were able to reach a much wider audience, and it was more sustainable, with no need for travel.?

Pivots are key

Pivots are an essential tool in the delivery of change projects. They are not a sign of failure but rather a demonstration of strategic agility, learning and nimbleness. By recognising when a pivot is necessary and executing it effectively, you can navigate the complexities of change more successfully, ultimately achieving the outcome with greater efficiency and effectiveness.?

In an environment where change is the only constant, the ability to pivot becomes a key determinant of a project’s success. Embracing this concept allows organisations to stay resilient, adaptable, and poised for growth, no matter what challenges arise.?

Vodka or milk?

Back to our header image, what caused this particular pivot?

Was it risk management? ...having small children, I can confirm I have had to pivot from shopping to unplanned and suddenly essential toilet visits. ?

Perhaps it was a lack of clear communication, did they hear “milk” when it was actually “vodka”?

Or maybe a cup of tea wasn’t going to help the latest crisis and something stronger was required!?

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