1. Try New Things

Always aim to try new things. Venturing into new technologies and experimenting can be daunting and time-consuming but well worth the possible breakthroughs from improved systems and processes by leveraging previously ignore JD Edwards capabilities. This starts with the leadership in your company pushing your team to go beyond their areas of expertise. Experience and knowledge are secondary to excellent research and self-study skills.

2. Observe and Learn

Observe and learn from those that are more experienced, and don't be afraid to ask. American novelist and short-story writer Ernest Hemingway once said, "There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self." This reflection perfectly represents the way we all must approach learning.

Learning starts with humility toward those around you and knowing that no matter what your job title is, you can learn from anyone around you. This is particularly true in a work environment where questions are encouraged and learning opportunities are created. If your entire organization is accustomed to this behavior and way of working together, observing and learning will become second nature throughout the entire organization. Synergy is the strongest force in a team.

3. Invest and Enable 

Work on leadership, invest time in team building, and enable personal growth. A team that has weak minds delivers weak projects. Many organizations often think that culture is not as important as the work the company must produce. However, it has become a more common practice in recent years for organizations to focus on their workplace culture as it is directly correlated to the quality of work employees produce.  

Another important aspect of your workplace environment is your growth mindset. Carol Dwek, a professor of Psychology at Stanford University who coined the term “growth mindset” says, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I am going to reveal my weakness, you say, wow, here is a chance to grow.” A growth mindset is vital to encourage and practice, starting with your company’s leadership team and trickling down through the rest of your employees.

4. Put the Customer First

Putting the customer first is a known phrase, but it also means to make the customer aware of all project situations. Project meetings are great, but visibility to every hour billed and open conversations create accountability and trust.

At SmarterCommerce, we value transparency not only within our internal organization but also with all of our customers. We strive to work alongside your team and provide the best support possible while also communicating clearly about costs and timelines. One way we do this is by enlisting customer testimonials so that you do not have to only take our word for it but can hear straight from other JD Edwards customers who have already worked with our team.

5. Plan for Contingency

Always plan for contingency. If you cannot walk your steps back and leave the system unchanged, then that is not the right course of action. Contingency plans are essential when working in many industries but especially when working in a technology-dependent industry. 

If you are curious about the importance or necessity of contingency plans, according to the Federal Reserve Board, approximately 200,000 US establishments closed due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. While there are many contributing factors to these closures, having a well-rehearsed contingency plan in place would help to mitigate some of the problems that arise from catastrophic events. Your company must create a contingency plan and establish a clear path of action, share the contingency plan with all affected employees, and test and exercise this plan throughout your entire organization. It is crucial that you do not wait for an emergency to use your contingency plan for the first time. All team members should be extremely aware of the plan and their specific responsibilities.

The SmarterCommerce Team 

Does your organization need assistance with implementing, managing or improving your JD Edwards ERP deployment or with training your employees on JD Edwards? Our expert JD Edwards Client Services team is ready to partner with your company with support and services to bring new levels of success through JD Edwards.