We can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has been horrible, but it’s also important to look at how far we’ve come. It’s amazing to see the creation of safe and effective vaccines and start distributing them within a year. This is arguably one of the most impressive human feats of the modern age. Just consider the sheer scope of the project, which included vaccine research and approval, manufacturing, and distribution.
The United States (and the world) has gone through a massive transformation and change during this time. By no means are we out of the pandemic, but we have made tremendous progress. We can take away a lot of these learnings and apply them to business and technology transformations.
Below are some key learnings and takeaways we can relate to other types of transformations:
Leadership matters
Leadership sets the tone for any challenge or change. With the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders worldwide had an opportunity to set the course for how we would respond. Some leaders did it better than others. This is also true for change within a company. Leaders need to lead during a time of change. It’s essential to identify those leaders who can best set the tone from the beginning and utilize them throughout the change process. Leaders’ responses can significantly affect the success and implementation of the transformation.
Be transparent
The COVID-19 pandemic is ever-evolving; the science is continually changing, and messaging is patchwork at best. Being open and honest about difficulties, challenges, and concerns is necessary to keep people engaged and understanding. In the end, gaining trust is paramount to people accepting change. While they may be hesitant, most people will follow the truth. The key to the truth is always transparency.
Not all phases are progress
Throughout the vaccine rollout, there were plenty of bumps and roadblocks. For many, simply signing up for a vaccine was confusing and problematic. However, progress is not a one-way street to success. Regardless of the progress, there are times when it feels we’re backsliding, especially when COVID-19 cases spike up again. It’s important to remember that the transformation journey is never a straight line, and it can be messy.
New technology is great, but new processes are important too
The new mRNA technology in some COVID-19 vaccines is safe and highly effective. It’s a life-changing and saving technology. However, the process of rolling out the vaccine was lacking. The US has a disjointed and siloed health system, which caused disparate information and processes.
Just like businesses implementing new technology, it only goes as far as the processes in place will take it. You can have all the bells and whistles of new technology, but you’re likely to fall short of your transformation goals if there are no unified processes.
Prioritize and create a project plan
Similar to processes, it’s important to create a project plan and follow it. Oftentimes the COVID-19 response has seemed more like running from one fire to the next. For example, the need to develop safe and effective vaccines was the important initial need. Meanwhile, the need for manufacturing, distributing, and getting the vaccines into arms was very challenging early during the process. While it’s crucial to prioritize burning issues, it’s just as important to keep a long-term view of the plan as well, so other parts of your plan don’t suffer.
Incentives work
Recently, states and local governments have been incentivizing getting the vaccine. They’re offering cash lotteries, cars, vacations, and more. It’s an out-of-the-box approach to reach those who are on the fence about the vaccine. Incentives do work in transformation. Gamifying or incentivizing your transformation can help relieve some of the anxiety or hesitancy that change brings. A little nudge can go a long way.
Targeted marketing and communications build trust and education
Everyone receives and understands change differently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various organizations and agencies have used a more targeted approach in education. This means going into underserved communities, fighting misinformation, and creating a safe space for honest discussions about the vaccine. This targeted approach is key to penetrating resistant change adopters. Meeting people where they are, personalizing it, and following through is the best way to elevate your progress in your transformation.
Change is all around us
We can learn a lot from the vaccine rollout. In its essence, the vaccine rollout is transformative and takes a lot of different people rowing together. Leadership, transparency, planning, effective communications, and incentives are all aspects that make change happen, no matter how big or small the transformation is.
Reach out to us to see how we can help with your transformation journey.
