Getting Executive Support for Workflow Automation

The lack of C-level support is a recognized deficiency in many IT projects. And who can blame them? Far too many projects move forward without a clear understanding of what is to be delivered, without a clear picture of that "end state" of the project. Even the most ingenious ideas are doomed to fall into oblivion without proper preparation and lobbying within the organization. We understand the inherent value, but have trouble articulating this value to management and executive sponsors, which is a serious problem — and this can impact the long-term success of a project.

In a recent WEBCON eBook [4 Tips to Get C-Level Support for your Workflow Automation Projects], Partner Channel Manager and Senior Consultant Michal Rykiert (@MRykiert) identifies four proven tips to help prepare you prior to pitching your workflow automation idea, and to boost the likelihood that your project is recognized and accepted by key decision-makers:

1. Identify Roadblocks

According to Gartner, two-thirds of all business leaders believe that their companies must pick up the pace of digitalization to remain competitive. That does not mean that two-thirds of the companies are ready and willing to engage in digitalization initiatives. One of the decisive factors to consider when promoting a new idea is to be aware of what can go wrong, and why it may never really take off.

2. Build a Strong Business Case

A carefully constructed business case creates a great roadmap for your audience. In an evidence-based business case for a workflow automation project, present the current state of process performance, areas for improvement, expected costs and benefits, time frames, parties involved, risks etc. This ensures that everyone involved is well-informed and on the same page.

When where to begin, we recommend a “start small, go big” approach: Look for quick wins, identify low-hanging fruit, and focus on the time-consuming, repetitive activities, but be sure to avoid highly-complex, highly-distributed, and politically-charged processes. When writing a business case you must remember to identify the area(s) to be improved, the current state of affairs, define metrics and success criteria (KPIs), and to always remember about the bigger picture. To get the answers for the first two steps, we recommend going directly to those who know best: the employees.

3. Find a Project Sponsor

Finding a business case is rarely enough to initiate a new investment, but securing a Project Sponsor can go a long way to securing resources (human and financial), as well as properly engaging relevant employees throughout the organization. The Project Sponsor is a person in the company, often a manager or executive, who has overall authority or accountability for your potential project. With decision-making ability and budget flexibility, they take over responsibility for gathering the appropriate support for your project, promoting it to senior management, ensuring buy-in throughout the organization, and become responsible for delivering the agreed-upon business benefits. 

4. Take "The Guerilla Approach"

If you’re unable to win over a Project Sponsor, you can always try implementing your idea under the radar, keeping costs to a minimum and staying focused on the bigger picture. If you can objectively prove that your idea benefits the company and delivers solid results, you’ll be much more likely to gain the support you need and get the project back on management’s table.

Following the first three steps, you should be able to find a Project Sponsor and build a bullet-proof business case to guide you through the implementation process -- and receive some C-level support. Once your workflow automation project has the green light, the next step is to roll up your sleeves and get to work. To do that, you need the right tool to deliver results and consistently keep hitting home runs…

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For more guidance on winning over your executive team, download the eBook "4 Tips to Get C-Level Support for your Workflow Automation Projects" (no registration required)