A key competency for any implementation partner is their ability to enable the customer to support and manage the new packaged software. This will require the implementation partner to employ different leadership styles during the implementation. There should be a logical progression in leadership styles that naturally transfers ownership from the implementation partner to the customer. We will use the following illustration for our discussion:
Let's discuss each leadership trait in more detail, in the context of an implementation lifecycle.
1. In the early strategy and planning stages of an implementation, the implementation partner should use a directive leadership style to lead the customer. The implementation partner leads in setting the direction and the pace of the implementation.
2. As the customer is educated on the packaged software and implementation approach, the implementation partner moves towards a coaching leadership style that...