Do You Know These Key Terms in ITSM Release Management? – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Change Managers, do you understand these key terms in ITSM Release Management? You might have heard your Business Analyst or Programmer colleagues often referring to these terms. Release Management: Involves managing, planning, scheduling, and controlling a software build through different stages and environments, including testing and deploying software releases. Release: Is a collection of hardware, software, documentation, processes, or other components required to implement approved changes. Deployment: Refers to the activities necessary for preparing the new or changed services and components for operational use. Release Plan: Is a document detailing the schedule, resources, and activities necessary to deliver a release to production. Change Management: Is a process that ensures all changes are handled in a structured manner to minimize the impact on services. Alert: Don’t confuse this term with Organisational Change Management. ...

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Change Managers, Does Your Methodology Really Matter?’ – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Does it Matter What Change Methodology You Follow? Yes, it does. No, it doesn’t. Confused? Let’s explore. Yes, it matters: Without a methodology, breaking the change journey into manageable pieces is impossible. A structured approach ensures all aspects are attended to. No, it doesn’t: Even with a sound methodology, failing to understand people will derail your efforts. The ultimate judgment: Comprehend the purpose of change management in context. It’s about empowering and enabling people. Put people—team members, managers, vendors, customers, clients—at the centre to gain perspective. Then, utilise your methodology. Success in the change journey follows.   Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox!   ...

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Use This Free Change Plan for Disconnection During Christmas – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Before it’s too late, here’s a free Change Plan for Ultimate Christmas Vacation Disconnection: Background Ah, Christmas—the most wonderful time of the year! The season of jingle bells, eggnog, and relentless notifications from group chats. Objective Successfully disconnect from all forms of digital communication and media, to immerse fully in holiday cheer, family time, and turkey-induced naps. Change Sponsors Chief Holiday Officer (CHO): You Santa’s Little Helpers (Accountability Partners): Your family and friends Step-by-Step Plan Pre-Mission Briefing: Announce the Plan Gather your elves—er, loved ones. Declare your intention to disconnect during the holidays.  Warn them about your imminent radio silence and, most importantly, establish emergency contact methods (like sending a carrier pigeon).  Tech Detox Prep: Identify and Limit the Gadgets Device Purge: Create a pile of every gadget you own. Yes, even that ...

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Work in the project world? Learn these ITSM Release Management terms – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Change Managers, do you understand these key terms in ITSM Release Management? You might have heard your Business Analyst or Programmer colleagues often referring to these terms. Release Management: Involves managing, planning, scheduling, and controlling a software build through different stages and environments, including testing and deploying software releases. Release: Is a collection of hardware, software, documentation, processes, or other components required to implement approved changes. Deployment: Refers to the activities necessary for preparing the new or changed services and components for operational use. Release Plan: Is a document detailing the schedule, resources, and activities necessary to deliver a release to production. Change Management: Is a process that ensures all changes are handled in a structured manner to minimize the impact on services. Alert: Don’t confuse this term with Organisational Change ...

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Want a career in project management? Learn these terms. – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Change Practitioners, learn these terms to comfortably navigate project management and program management. Program Management: Involves overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives. Is about aligning projects with the broader goals of the organisation. Project Management: Focuses on planning, executing, and closing individual projects. Is about meeting specific goals within a defined timeline and budget. Change Management: Is the process of guiding individuals, teams, and organizations through transitions. Is about minimising resistance and maximising engagement. Agile: Is a flexible, iterative approach to project management that emphasizes collaboration, customer feedback, and small, rapid releases. Waterfall: Is a linear, sequential approach to project management where each phase must be completed before the next begins. Prince2: A structured project management method that emphasises organization, control, and quality. Stands for ‘Projects in Controlled Environments’. Scrum: Is ...

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Focus on soft skills to become change managers – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Do you aspire to become a change manager? Why do you need to focus on soft skills? Change management is more than just overseeing transitions; it’s about guiding people through change. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability help you understand team dynamics, address concerns, and foster a positive environment. Wondering how to enhance your soft skills? I’ve been there, and I can share what worked for me: Active Listening: Truly listen to your team’s concerns and feedback. Empathy: Put yourself in other’s shoes to understand their perspective. Adaptability: Be flexible and open to adjusting your plans of actions. Clear Communication: Articulate your vision and plans clearly and concisely. Interested in learning more or discussing your journey? Reach out, and leave a comment.   Click here to receive your free copy of the ...

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Boosting productivity- let’s utilise the power of Silent Hour. – by Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Once upon a time in a bustling city, there lived two professionals: Asterix, a meticulous Business Analyst, and Obelix, a dynamic Change Manager. They both worked for the innovative company called TechtTastic Tango. Despite their different roles, they shared a common struggle—balancing the chaos of daily tasks and finding time for deep, uninterrupted work. One day: Asterix sifted through endless data sheets. Obelix juggled meetings to align stakeholder interests. They stumbled upon a piece of advice in an unlikely place: a quaint little bookshop around the corner. Among the dusty tomes, they found a book titled “The Silent Hour: Unlocking Deep Productivity.” Intrigued, they began to read. The book spoke of a simple yet profound practice: A dedicated, daily hour of uninterrupted work, free from the usual distractions of emails, notifications, and meetings. ...

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What A Twist – A Change Manager on The Bang Theory! – by Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn One day, Penny walked into the apartment to find Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj huddled around their whiteboard, faces etched with frustration. TechMarvel’s latest project, the Quantum Gadget, was spiralling into chaos. Bugs, delays, and mounting pressure were pushing the team to the brink. Enter Alex, the change manager.“Hi everyone, I’m Alex. I hear we’ve hit a snag. Let’s turn this around,” Alex announced with confidence. Sheldon raised an eyebrow. “Are you familiar with quantum mechanics?” “I don’t need to be,” Alex replied smoothly. “I specialise in transforming chaos into order. Let’s start with some basics. Leonard, what’s the core issue?” Leonard sighed. “The project’s over budget and behind schedule. Everyone’s losing hope.” “Got it. Sheldon, what’s the biggest technical challenge?” Sheldon adjusted his glasses. “Our workflows are out of sync, ...

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What is a ‘second brain’? How can a project manager utilise a change manager as their second brain? – By Alok Das Source : Alok Das LinkedIn A “second brain” refers to an external system or person that helps manage, organise, and process information, allowing the primary individual to focus on higher-level thinking and decision-making. A project manager can utilise a change manager to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for the following. 1. Information Management – Role: The change manager acts as a repository for project-related data, including stakeholder feedback, change impact assessments, and communication plans. – Benefit: Project Manager to gets a clear and organised view of all necessary information without being overwhelmed by the details. 2. Risk Identification and Mitigation – Role: The change manager proactively identifies potential risks and develops mitigation strategies, keeping the project manager informed of any emerging issues. – Benefit: Project Manager to gets to focus ...

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From Disaster to Triumph: The Tale of TechMarvel and Alex the super change hero – By Alok Das   Source : Alok Das LinkedIn Outline Once upon a time, in the bustling world of tech, there was a company named TechMarvel. Known for its innovative gadgets and cutting-edge software, TechMarvel was the darling of the industry. But one fateful day, disaster struck. Their latest product launch, the HyperWidget, was a colossal flop. Bugs, glitches, and unhappy customers left the company teetering on the edge of ruin. Enter our hero: the Change Manager, Alex. Alex was no ordinary manager; Alex was a change management maestro, armed with strategies, empathy, and a flair for turning chaos into harmony. Realising the urgency, Alex called for an emergency meeting. The office, once filled with the hum of innovation, now echoed with worried whispers. Step 1: Rallying the Troops Alex knew the first step was to ...

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