How to ensure that this HR technology will provide an efficient system of records and improve productivity by as much as 10 times? How do we ensure that this HR technology will enhance the company’s competitive advantage over its competitors? How do we ensure that this HR technology will act as an engaging tool for employees?
Worry not. All we need is the “right map” with the “right people” on board.
One of the most common factors contributing to project failures is unclear objectives. Having the “right map” will ensure that the project team stays its course and reaches the promise land and avoids the pitfalls that beset most projects. And with the right people you will have the pioneers who will make this happen.
Just like any good map, the project objectives should contain two crucial components: a destination and the way to get there.
In terms of HR system, destination is the grand vision of the senior management. It’s what success looks like when we achieve our mission. This vision must come from HR leadership and communicated to the project team. Typically, this is done through interviews prior to kick-off. This vision should be a short mantra, like provide learning capability to employees anywhere and any time, or provide real-time talent information to senior management.
The second component of this map is the guiding principle. This will form the basis for decision-making, general direction and day-to-day running of the team.
The main purpose of this guiding principle is to ensure maximum use of the new HR system. It will help prevent the project from getting bogged down by the cobwebs of the legacy system.
Similarly, the guiding principle should come from the head of HR and be communicated to all stakeholders and the team. Some examples of good guiding principles are: Adopt best practice offered by the new system, and keep the new process simple with a no-customisation policy.
A guiding principle will not only speed up the project, it will help to reduce the risk significantly, and thereby ensure greater chance of success.
Right people are the trailblazers. These trailblazers are crazy enough to go on a journey with you. Their craziness, sometimes referred to as “passion”, will help the team overcome future roadblocks.
Projects are never easy, no matter how good you are. Right people are less likely to give up when push come to shove. Their passion for the project will see to it that they deliver the goods in the face of adversity.
So get your pen and paper out and meet with your HR bosses, draw your map, and choose your trailblazers.

Suvit Chansrichawla is next-generation HR consultant under the brand Serendipity & Co, partner of the Curve Group in Thailand.