Changing my web site and learning about change
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After taking time to learn the intricacies of building and developing my own web site, first using iWeb from Apple, my first generation lasted a few months. Once I realised I wanted and needed to add all my blogs, the search was on for a new tool.
Having done quite a few published blogs on other web sites, I quickly became interested in WordPress. I developed my new site a month ago, whilst retaining my existing web site.
The migration to the new site was, as one can expect from an enthusiastic newcomer, not without its challenges. However, being persistent to the point of learning more than I ever wanted to know about php, I got the new site up and running today (4 November 2009).
This exercise again taught me a lot about change. Sometimes it can be frustrating. Sometimes we just want to walk away, but often it is better just to take time out and try another day. I also learned that when things go wrong, as it will, we need to restore things back to where it was. Change needs to be embedded, before the next wave of change.
I used my 4 C model, by consulting with experts, getting some friendly advice when I realised that I was going around in circles. Again, effective change management is knowing when to consult others, be they consultants, experts or colleagues.
And of course, once the web site is up and running, the satisfaction of sitting back with a cup of tea and browsing through the site, celebrating and knowing already that this is just the beginning.
