This is the story of most large IT transformation/modernization efforts. Once the executives that started it leaves, it stops. Then a new one comes in that does almost the opposite. Put all your apps in the cloud, bring all your apps on-premises.
Tide goes out, tide comes in.
That pattern of course fuels staff “modernization fatigue” where they just ignore all the slides in Q1 and get on with their lives.
Maybe a signal of the switch over is when we rename the “we should improve how we do things with computers” iniatives. In the 2010’s, we called it “digital transformation.” We don’t use that term anymore, even though the same, exact recipe is used. We used to call it DevOps, now platform engineering. Same recipe, different technology. And so on.
When the phrase changes, you know new thought leaders and executives are in town. Update the slides.
You have to win over the trust of these fatigued staff by knowing your shit (including second order drudgery), explaining why the change is needed, and then proving that it benefits both only “the bottom line,” but also improves the employees well-being and comp - happiness and morale money.
For example, is this transformation going to increase productivity? Then can I work less? Can my work at least be less tedious? Is this transformation can save us money or generate more? Can I have some?
Also, in with DOGE, you didn’t need Big Balls level intellect to see the stupid coming a mile off.
🔗 DOGE no longer has ‘centralized leadership’ under White House tech team, personnel head says