Successful SFIA 9 Implementation: 5 Key Change Management Tips

Introduction 

What is the most significant factor in the success/failure of a SFIA (Skills Framework for the Information Age) implementation project? The technology? The quality and relevancy of the framework? As a software and skills vendor, hearing the Lexonis team say ‘no’ may surprise you. These elements are critical, but they are not the most significant factors. When clients ask, we always answer “executive sponsorship and good change management practice.”

We often find that good change management techniques are either overlooked or limited to some light-touch communications. The result is that the project appears to have little alignment with the organization’s business objectives and there is no buy-in from the project’s key stakeholders.

To elaborate further, sponsorship is not just about having a senior figurehead who sends and signs off communication emails; experience has shown that sponsorship management is an actual business skill and needs to be visible right from the start of a project, then through and beyond implementation.

Using a Change Management Model 

For example, at Lexonis, we emphasize using proven change management methodologies. Our Prosci Change Management Practitioner-certified consultants utilize established change management models such as ADKAR to establish engagement and embed a skills-based approach. Using a proven methodology particularly helps facilitate a more effective transition to a new version of SFIA, such as version 9.

Each of the ADKAR model’s five elements represents a specific outcome required for successful change. They are referred to as follows:

1. Awareness of the need for change
2. Desire to participate and support the change
3. Knowledge of how to change
4. Ability to implement the change on a day-to-day basis
5. Reinforcement to keep the change in place / make it stick

To help raise Awareness of what’s new, changed, or enhanced in the latest version of SFIA (version 9), Lexonis’ consultants provide communication templates and samples along with guidance on securing sponsorship support and engaging managers and supervisors as change leaders within a sponsorship coalition. The templates are customized to fit the client’s culture, context and communications guidelines to be effective.

Lexonis consultants also demonstrate how using SFIA (and in some cases, the Lexonis platform) will provide tangible talent and business outcomes. Early communication of the benefits of SFIA and how the use of the framework will address organizational ‘pain points’ plays a critical role in positively influencing the Desire to embrace change. By offering clear insights and streamlined resources, we help the organization to move from building Awareness to creating the Desire needed to support the change journey effectively.

Understanding how to change and how to operate in the future state using SFIA 9 is an essential precursor to adopting new skills and the potential changes to job roles. There is a range of Knowledge, skills and behaviours that individuals, supervisors and managers will need in order to adopt the change, understand the process, and effectively use software tools, such as the Lexonis platform, for successful implementation. Taking an agile approach to providing learning and development support is essential, from short online just-in-time sessions to workshops and video tutorials. Providing several options ensures that knowledge transfer and upskilling (in the case of migration to SFIA 9) can easily be integrated into the organization’s communication plan. As part of the education program, sharing lessons learned and sample materials that can be adapted to help clients develop Ability across stakeholders and impacted groups is essential.

Conclusion

Developing the right change management strategy has many dependencies that will differ for each organization and each specific project. Experience has shown that investing time speaking with clients about the outcomes of impact and readiness assessments and any resistance they think they will likely encounter is time well spent. It is important to share anecdotes and lessons gained by working with consultants who have experience implementing SFIA and introducing new versions.

Lexonis and Implementing SFIA v9

Lexonis can play a pivotal role in helping clients implement or upgrade to any new version of SFIA by aligning the transition with a robust change management strategy. With deep expertise in SFIA and proven methodologies for managing change, we can ensure that the shift is technically sound and embraced by employees. We can help mitigate resistance and foster a culture of adaptability through tailored training, communication plans and stakeholder engagement. By aligning SFIA with business goals and supporting the workforce through the transition, our guidance ensures the upgrade delivers lasting value and accelerates workforce development and capability building.

If you are considering transitioning to the latest version of SFIA or implementing it for the first time and are unsure how to prepare for the change, contact us for a free strategy session with one of our SFIA-accredited consultants.