Planning

We use the Crawl-Walk-Run methodology to plan large-scale, complex transformations or IT strategy programs, based on all the insights, requirements, and constraints captured during the earlier discovery and exploration phases. This approach helps translate strategic intent into a structured, actionable roadmap that evolves with the organization’s maturity and readiness.

The methodology emphasizes progressive capability building, risk mitigation, and sustainable change. It is particularly effective for transformations involving technology, processes, and organizational culture.

We have successfully personalized and applied this approach across multiple customer scenarios, tailoring each phase to the unique context, maturity, and strategic goals of the organization. This flexibility has proven essential in navigating the complexity and scale of real-world transformation programs.

Importantly, this methodology offers a pragmatic middle ground between:

• Traditional waterfall approaches, which are too rigid and linear to accommodate the evolving nature of complex transformations, and
• Pure agile frameworks, which, while adaptive, can lack the structure and long-term planning needed for enterprise-wide change.

Crawl Phase – Foundation & Exploration

Goal: Establish a solid foundation, validate assumptions, and prepare the organization for change.

• Define the transformation vision and strategic objectives.
• Assess the current state to identify capability and process gaps.
• Engage key stakeholders to build alignment and secure sponsorship.
• Launch small-scale pilot initiatives to test ideas and gather insights.
• Begin capability building through training, onboarding, and governance setup.

Focus: Learning, alignment, and risk mitigation.

Walk Phase – Scaling & Integration

Goal: Expand on early successes, integrate systems, and embed new ways of working.

• Scale successful pilots across broader teams or functions.
• Standardize and document repeatable processes.
• Integrate systems and platforms to enable data flow and collaboration.
• Deepen adoption through structured training, communication, and support.
• Use metrics and feedback to monitor progress and refine the approach.

Focus: Operationalizing change and building momentum.

Run Phase – Optimization & Innovation

Goal: Achieve full transformation, optimize performance, and foster continuous improvement.

• Complete deployment of systems, processes, and cultural shifts.
• Optimize operations using analytics, automation, and feedback loops.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Scale advanced technologies to drive efficiency and strategic advantage.
• Embed resilience and adaptability to sustain long-term value.

Focus: Excellence, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Key Benefits of the Crawl-Walk-Run Approach

• Reduces risk by avoiding “big bang” implementations.
• Builds confidence through early wins and incremental progress.
• Encourages learning and adaptation based on real-world feedback.
• Aligns stakeholders at every stage of the journey.
• Balances structure and flexibility, making it ideal for complex, evolving environments.