Navigating Uncomfortable Change
During Tenant Migrations
Andrew Willis
Senior Project Manager
Have you ever hopped in a rental car and things just felt “off?” You have to spend time adjusting the seats (was Danny DeVito sitting in here?) getting the mirrors just right, figuring out how to connect your phone to the Bluetooth, etc. God forbid it’s raining and you have to turn every knob in the car to get the wipers working properly while simultaneously navigating through airport traffic. It takes time for your brain to adjust to operating a vehicle that is not your own.
This is something that we all recognize on some level. No matter how seemingly small and innocuous—change is uncomfortable.
This is an important principle for organizations to keep in mind while planning for a tenant migration. Your users are going to experience change and will need support mitigating their initial discomfort. While there are numerous change management elements to consider, the key factors in ensuring a smooth transition are communication, training, and post-migration support.
These may seem like obvious points, yet they are often the most overlooked components when organizations are going through migrations. There is a tendency to focus solely on the technical details of the migration; leaving these critical aspects on the backburner. Do not let your team fall into the same trap. Take the time to thoroughly plan through the items below.
Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful tenant migration. It goes beyond simply informing users of the upcoming change; it’s about building trust, managing expectations, and ensuring everyone feels heard and supported throughout the process. Miscommunication or lack of clarity can lead to confusion, frustration, and resistance, while a well-thought-out communication strategy can ease the transition and foster a positive reception.
- Identify your target audiences and segment them as needed
- Craft key messages for each audience; each one will have different priorities and concerns, so it’s crucial to customize your messaging accordingly
- Develop a Communication Plan and Timeline
Training
Effective training is essential to help users navigate a new system or process with confidence. It’s not just about giving them the tools they need, but also about making them feel comfortable using them. A well-structured training plan should empower users to adapt quickly and reduce the anxiety associated with change
- Create FAQs: Identify common questions and concerns that might arise from the change
- Quick Start Guides: For more complex systems or processes, break down essential tasks into simple, easy-to-follow guides
- Live demonstration and Q&A: You may consider scheduling interactive training sessions
Post-Migration Support
Once the migration is complete, the focus should shift from preparation to ongoing support. Even with the best training, users are likely to encounter unforeseen challenges and will need access to reliable assistance. A robust post-migration support strategy can make the difference between a smooth transition and ongoing frustration.
Conclusion
Our passion is bridging the gap between technology and those who use it, while equipping individuals to successfully navigate and adopt any change. To thrive in the technology landscape, you need a nimble and proactive approach to change management. eGroup Enabling Technologies’ team of experts can be your trusted guide, empowering you to navigate the complexities of digital transformation with confidence.
Learn More About Our Azure and Microsoft 365 Migration Services
Leverage our Microsoft Migration Services to successfully migrate Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 for Exchange Online, OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint Online Services.
Learn More About Our Organizational Change Management Services
Our Change Management Consultants can help your organization through migrations when you find yourself short on availability, resources, and expertise.
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If you have questions about Tenant Migrations or Organizational Change Management, contact our team at info@eGroup-us.com or complete the form below.
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