Brownfield refers to a group that either stays within the corporate location or retains the existing staff. The Group negotiates these SLAs with each client. When the client changes the scope, or requests additional service, the negotiations are reopened. When our clients begin to discuss moving to a shared services structure, we usually start the discussions by figuring out how far they really want to go and what means will best help them to reach the growth, service and savings goals of the organization. The perception in some quarters may be that Shared Services is just another management initiative that will go away if it is ignored long enough.
Strong leadership is essential to overcome employees' resistance to change.
Keeping a clear leadership role and completing the transition as quickly as possible will be important if you are to keep these critical areas from grinding to a halt as you set up the new group. Quick wins, especially any outside business opportunities related to shared services, will quickly reduce the resistance. Technical Skills vs. The first inclination within these groups is to request money for the latest in technology or other enhanced equipment. And so leadership must make sure the shared services group has the resources, skills and knowledge to provide appropriate answers and superior services.