Saturday Catch-up: the practice of change in data and technology

Kerrie Smit
Mar 2, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Welcome to our Saturday catch-up! This week, we're taking a look back at some of our most insightful blog posts on the theme of change management in the world of data and technology. The digital environment is evolving at a rapid pace, and the practice of change must evolve with it. Here’s a summary of our key takeaways.

Marrying the Robot: The Role of AI in Change Communication

Published last year, our article "Marrying the Robot" explored the humorous and sometimes frustrating reality of using AI in change communication. While AI language models are powerful tools for generating content, they are not a replacement for human creativity and nuance. AI lacks the empathy and imagination needed for truly effective communication. It's a great tool for a first draft, but a communications professional is essential to refine the message, ensuring it has the "soul" and subtlety required to connect with people and drive successful change.

The Influence of Technology on the Practice of Change

Our recent articles have delved into how the rapid evolution of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is influencing how we manage change.

"Unleashing the Power of Change & Communication Professional Service Startups" highlighted the agility and expertise of startups in driving digital transformation. Their ability to innovate quickly and challenge the status quo is essential for navigating the fast-paced tech world.
"Big Change and What it Means for all the other changes" addressed how global tech trends are reshaping our approach to local change management. It emphasised that a proactive, adaptable mindset is critical for both individuals and organisations as they navigate new technologies that are changing the very nature of work.

Connecting People and Protecting Data

Managing technology change isn't just about implementing new systems; it's about leading people through the transition. Two of our blogs focused on the human element and the importance of data security.

"Technology change: connecting people" argued that leaders of technology change must prioritise emotional intelligence. By recognising and celebrating differences and focusing on team strengths, leaders can build better team dynamics. This approach fosters collaboration and directly leads to better project outcomes, demonstrating that technology change is ultimately about connecting people.
"The Intersection of Change Management and Cybersecurity" reflected on the unique challenges posed by cybersecurity projects. It highlighted the immense responsibility organisations have to keep data safe. The article underscored that effective engagement and communication with customers and stakeholders about cyber safety is a critical component of any successful technology change.