Planning for Cloud Integration: Pitfalls and Advantages - Deploying and Managing a Cloud Infrastructure - page 392

Figure 13.4 shows four phases of persuasion. Phases 1 and 2 bank on convincing that
change is necessary and probably even critical to an organization's growth. Convincing is
followed by preparing a preliminary plan, gathering feedback, and revising the plan into a
final plan.

FIGURE 13.4 Four phases of persuasion

Announce plan

Convince that change is imperative, convince
that new direction is the right one.

1

Position preliminary plan, acquire feedback
and propose final plan.

2

Persuasion
process

Engage in regular communication (through
meetings, presentations and emails).

3

Reinforce new changes and guidelines, avoid
backsliding.

4

Develop plan Implement Turnaround

process

Four phases of persuasion campaign ( Harvard Business Review ), http://hbr.org/hbrg-main/resources/
images/article_assets/hbr/0502/R0502F_B.gif
Phases 3 and 4 concentrate on communication to keep the plan rolling forward. In this
phase, guidelines and new changes are used as a tool for reinforcements and avoiding lapse.
In order for the change to be convincing, it should satisfy all the requirements of an
organization's mission, vision, goals, strategies, and objectives.

Avoiding the Potholes: The Dos and Don'ts

Companies that wish to stay relevant in the cloud-based world will need to redefine their
approach, business models, policies, and even culture. Focused aspiration is great, but
unplanned ambitions can be disastrous. Here are dos and don'ts to provide guidance on
avoiding hurdles.

Do start with a strategy, and evaluate and reevaluate organizational maturity for
migration. Start with a sound and board-approved plan and strategy. The key is honest
assessment of IT tools, policies, procedures, and business models. The assessment also
drives organizational planning for cloud adaption.