Our Story is Actually Your Story

I’m Melanie Bladow, owner of Tern Consulting. I’m a digital transformation specialist who leads organizations to change how they work through the adoption of technology.

Over the years as I’ve expanded my career and my skillset, I noticed a story that seems to transcend organizations across the world, and it’s exactly the reason we do what we do here at Tern Consulting.

Over the decades, I’ve watched countless companies invest huge amounts of money in technology ventures—only to see them fail to deliver the expected value or results.

But why?

Is It The Technology?

I come from a background in software, and early on I was a paid subscriber to the idea that what I could build with my superior coding would change the world. I see a similar mindset often in organizations, who roll out huge new systems like it’s their own personal field of dreams… I have a secret to share. If you build it, no one is going to like it.

Unfortunately, technology in isolation won’t make your business more efficient or effective. No technology, no matter how advanced, will help your company if it is not successfully integrated into your current ecosystem. Doing so requires leadership and a strategy that prioritizes people, process and participation.

Maybe It’s The Organization?

As I took on more leadership roles and drank the Kool-Aid, as it were, I just knew that systems and processes were the most important piece of the puzzle.

However, even with perfect procedures and technology, I still saw companies limping their way through implementation and only half using powerful systems that should have revolutionized their organization. There was still something missing. People were still not using the software and systems they were given.

I get it. Change is hard. But the amazing thing about technology is that it has the power to make our work lives so much easier and more fulfilling. Employees who bristle at the introduction of new technology systems typically do so because they feel like it’s something that’s happening to them, like they’re not a part of the process.

Really, It’s All About The People.

When I realized this, it was like being struck by lightning; my entire view of the way the world worked was flipped on its head. With my new knowledge, it was mind-blowing to see other leaders going about their business the same way it had always been done and wondering why they weren’t seeing the results they wanted. By thinking of people first and involving them in the change right from the start, suddenly my projects were running smoothly, on time, and seeing full buy-in and utilization. I knew I was onto something big.

When technology was first introduced to work environments in the ‘80s and ‘90s, it automated people away. Today it elevates people to their highest and best purpose, enabling them to focus on what’s important and how to work together.

When people feel empowered to define a new era, that’s where organizations see tangible, lasting and positive change.

Embrace Success

You can successfully implement the technology that will make your organization better than it was before—whether that pertains to production, performance, saving money or all of the above. Together, we’ll address the people, process, and participation throughout your company to create transformations that your teams embrace and that achieve your organizational goals.