Re: [OT] System Conversion - An Overview

In article <5opm2vFnnl68U1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Pete Dashwood <dashwood@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


<docdwarf@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:fg6u2d$qvk$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[snip]

All in all, it is usually a good thing to remember what Machiavelli had to
say about the introduction of new systems
<http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1232/1232.txt>

--begin quoted text:

And it ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take
in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, then
to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

Only if you're a sissy. REAL Men embrace change and have no problem with
being responsible for it. :-)

Just like military officers have no problems leading their men over the
tops of the trenches... and the Gallipoli-like results which may ensue.


Because the
innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old
conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.

And should be lobbying both camps with the promises of the new and
explaining how this change will benefit all concerned.

That might be the case, as well... but for me, I will leave lobbying to
the lobbyists and selling to the salesfolk; they have their jobs and I
have mine.


This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws
on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily
believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them.

That's part of a leader's job; address their incredulity and convert it into
support. Part of the challenge is to motivate people to be at worst,
non-committal ("Ok, let's wait and see..."), at best, enthusiastic, to see
new systems.

'Over the top, boys... I'll lead the way!'


Although there may be SOME parallels between Renaissance Italy and the
modern Business World, for the most part, they are different. Machiavelli
would be out of his depth in the politics, subtleties, and complexity of
modern Board Rooms.

I'll take that as the Voice of Experience, one that spent much time in
Renaissance Italy. I don't know many folks who spent time in modern Board
Rooms who have become Pope, as did Rodrigo Borgia.

DD

.