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72 Hours from Failure to Confidence

  • Writer: Debra Mitchell
    Debra Mitchell
  • Aug 27
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 19

# Most Tech Rollouts Fail Because Leaders Still Believe Adoption Is a “Training Problem”


It’s not. It’s a human problem. Here’s what I mean 👇


Case Study: A Startup in Crisis


A high-growth Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) startup was about to launch a new ERP. The problem? They sell direct to consumers. Their product is perishable. If orders didn’t ship on Day 1, inventory could spoil and customers would walk.


Three days before go-live, panic hit:


  • Processes were unclear

  • Staff felt overwhelmed

  • A delay seemed inevitable


What We Did in 72 Hours


Instead of pushing harder, we slowed down:


  • Captured the real “shadow processes” (how work actually happened)

  • Mapped “today → tomorrow” side by side

  • Practiced only the 3 most critical workflows

  • Set up buddy systems + simple job aids


The Result


  • Go-live didn’t just happen on schedule; it happened with confidence.

  • Teams that were panicked 48 hours earlier executed flawlessly.

  • Orders shipped.

  • Customers stayed.

  • The business moved forward.


The Pattern Across Projects


We see the same shifts again and again:


🔑 From Training → Translation (connect today’s work to tomorrow’s workflows)

🔑 From Technical → Human (address fears, motivations, and trust)

🔑 From Confidence → Curiosity (leaders admit uncertainty, learn with users)


Why This Matters Now


In an AI-driven world, adoption isn’t optional. But adoption isn’t about tech. It’s about trust.


The Importance of Trust in Adoption


Trust is the foundation of any successful tech rollout. When teams feel secure, they are more likely to embrace new systems. They can focus on learning rather than fearing failure. This shift is crucial for lasting transformation.


Building a Culture of Curiosity


Encouraging curiosity within your organization can lead to innovative solutions. When leaders model curiosity, it creates a safe space for everyone to ask questions. This openness fosters collaboration and drives engagement.


Empowering Internal Leaders


Empowering internal leaders is key to sustaining success. When leaders feel equipped to guide their teams, they can navigate challenges effectively. This empowerment creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to step up and contribute.


Conclusion: Embrace the Human Element


As we navigate complex changes, let’s remember that technology is only one piece of the puzzle. The human element is what truly drives success. By focusing on trust, curiosity, and empowerment, we can achieve lasting transformation.


Which shift do you think matters most for your organization?


In this journey, I invite you to explore how Inspired Consulting Solutions can help you. We aim to be your go-to partner in navigating these complex changes. Together, we can focus on people, not just processes, and empower your internal leaders to sustain success.


For more insights, visit Inspired Consulting Solutions.

 
 
 

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