Introduction

This chapter suggests that while change is inevitable it can be managed. How we can help to get the best from the changes is explored and a model to help with creating lasting engagement is proposed.

Sustainable change

Lots of words have been written on paper about the data revolution and the impact that it will have on society, with predictions ranging from ‘the sky is falling’ to ‘AI will lead to scenes from the film Wall-E becoming our new reality (where we become so used to having everything done for us that we lose the ability to do anything for ourselves)’. We tend to think about that being the external data revolution, i.e. what is happening outside our organisations, and we’re not sure that we have a great deal to add on this one, other than that, with every other social revolution on record, while it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride as you went through it, what came out at the other end meant more jobs – albeit jobs that hadn't even been thought of before it happened. However, the world we live in is constantly evolving – we obviously don't remember our careers advisors at school telling us we could be a Chief Data Officer someday if we worked really hard – so that is part of the rich tapestry of life.

Though that may be what is seen as the external data revolution, what we want to focus on is the internal one. While talking about an internal data revolution may seem odd, it makes perfect sense when you think about it. As CDO, you have been brought in to convince the company that it has an asset that it has not yet valued and it now needs to modify its behaviour in order to look after it appropriately.

The most important thing to remember is that change is about people. Too often we get caught up in making a technical change work, making sure people know about using the practical aspects of the technology, or the way it looks from the outside. Too many organisations are doing a wonderful swan dance – looking calm, serene and totally in control while under the surface everyone is paddling for all they are worth. Real change is about people, and this is where everything we talk about regarding hearts and minds comes into play