Piccaso of the Project: Mastering the Art of Implementation Consulting

By Ciandress Jackson

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven business landscape, the ability to effectively lead and execute complex digital transformations is more critical than ever. But as any seasoned consultant knows, successful implementation is as much an art as it is a science. It requires a unique blend of technical savvy, strategic vision, creative proble

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ciandress Jackson
• Release date: Apr 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869291042

Book preview

"Picasso of the Project:

Mastering the Art of Implementation Consulting"

By Ciandress P. Jackson

Introduction:

With over 15 years of experience leading complex enterprise software implementations, I've had a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs inherent to the implementation consulting world. My name is Ciandress Jackson, and I'm a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) who has successfully executed over 50 implementations spanning healthcare, government, higher education, and corporate sectors.

From healthcare systems like Roswell Park Cancer Institute and RWJ Barnabas Health, to construction project management software rollouts for the City of Miami, to proprietary product launches for companies like Willhouse Global - I've seen and faced just about every challenge an implementation project can throw at you.

What I've learned through this extensive experience is that thriving as an implementation consultant requires much more than just technical mastery. It demands an intricate blend of strategic planning, process expertise, communication prowess, adaptability to change, and above all else - an unwavering passion for driving transformative change.

Early in my career at McKesson, I quickly realized that software wasn't the bottleneck - it was the human element that often caused implementations to stall or fail. Frustrated hospital staff struggling with new digital workflows. Executives misaligned on priorities and scope. Siloed teams operating without a unified vision. To overcome these hurdles, I had to become an adept change manager, process engineer, and trusted advisor capable of building bridges across diverse stakeholder groups.

This holistic approach has enabled me to lead implementation initiatives that yielded remarkable outcomes. At Roswell Park Cancer Institute, my scheduling optimization projects enhanced patient care while capturing $30 million in new revenue streams. At Willhouse Global, I spearheaded the development and deployment of their flagship DEIB assessment tool to over a dozen enterprise clients using agile delivery methods.

My philosophy for success can be summarized in three words: Collaborate. Empathize. Execute.

Collaborate across functions to build unified teams.

Empathize with user pain points to design sustainable solutions.

Execute a detailed roadmap to realize the implementation vision.

In the pages ahead, I'll share the strategies, frameworks, and real-world lessons that have allowed me to master this trifecta as an implementation consultant. From understanding the true nature of the role and developing essential skills, to navigating each phase of the implementation lifecycle, to adopting the right mindsets for career longevity - this book will be your comprehensive guide.

Whether you're rolling out a new software system, redesigning business processes, or implementing a proprietary product for customers - this book will equip you with the mindset, techniques, and tools to lead implementations with confidence and consistency. You'll gain insights into areas like:

Chapter 1: What is Implementation Consulting

Chapter 2: How to Become an Implementation Consultant

Chapter 3: The Skill Sets Required to Become a Good Implementation Consultant

Chapter 4: A Day in the Life of an Implementation Consultant

Chapter 5: An Implementation Consultant Career Profile

Chapter 6: The Software Implementation Lifecycle

Chapter 7: Reasons and Benefits of Being an Implementation Consultant

Chapter 8: Characteristics of a Good Implementation Consultant

Chapter 9: The Impact and