Yesterday, I watched the news on the new healthcare bill that was ‘shepherded’ through the US Congress. I was struck by the way the leadership was able to achieve the support they needed to enable passage of the legislation despite the overwhelming prediction of failure.
For me, most moments have a project management lesson. I know. I know. It is just a little twisted.
The moment was no different. I watched the feedback and challenges (sound bites) and wondered aloud what the change management process will look like for integrating the ‘fixes’ into the bill. My initial response was ‘wow’. I wonder how that really happens.
I think this might be the largest project ever undertaken by the US federal government not because of cost but because of the sheer number of stakeholders involved. We aren’t talking about hundreds or thousands of people but millions. The communication and logistical requirements will be complex and somewhat daunting.
The golden nugget for today is ‘put the change process in place before the legislation is enacted. You are changing not just the law. You are impacting lives.”
