Start with Awareness
- Word of Mouth: Share success stories—nothing beats hearing from a trusted colleague about how CD made their work easier.
- Show Visible Results: Showcase how architects using CD tools outperform others in speed and quality. When the benefits are obvious, people take notice.
Build Trust in the Tools
- Make Tools Reliable: Tools should be easy to use and deliver consistent results. If people trust the tools, they’ll use them.
- Show the Numbers: Use simple ROI calculations (like man-hours saved) to prove the tools’ impact. Numbers speak louder than words.
Foster Engagement
- Weekly Catch-Ups: Hold quick check-ins to realign on goals, share progress, and keep the momentum going.
- Create a CD Community: Build a space (physical or virtual) where people can share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together.
- Central Knowledge Repository: Have a go-to place for scripts, tips, and workflows. Make learning and access simple.
Approach Tool Development Like Engineers
- Start Small: Build MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) to test ideas quickly. Iterate based on feedback.
- Break Down Problems: Don’t aim to automate everything at once. Tackle tasks in small, manageable chunks.
- Focus on Incremental Growth: Aim to improve tools by just 1% daily. Small gains add up fast.
- Design for Users: Always keep the end-user in mind. If it’s not solving their problem, it’s not working.
Align with Goals That Matter
- Business Focus: Tie tools to business goals and financial constraints. If it aligns with leadership priorities, you’ll have their support.
- Case Studies: Show real-world examples of how CD tools have made a difference. This builds confidence.
Successful Practices from DAR
- Building a Community: Established a collaborative environment where CD champions thrive.
- Knowledge Sharing: Created a central repository for CD workflows and tools.
- Corporate Knowledge Management (CKM): Ensured long-term knowledge retention and cross-team learning.
A Reminder: What Do End-Users Care About?
For most people, it’s simple: How fast can I finish my work and go home?
If CD tools help them get there faster, they’ll adopt them naturally.
Start small, show results, and keep building trust. The momentum will follow.