I started learning about ITIL back in December of 2008 and recently I was reflecting on my past enthusiasm, and yes, disappointments, with the framework and how my own relationship with ITIL strangely resembles what one would go through with the 5 stages of grief. So I just couldn’t ignore what I’m now calling the 5 Stages of ITIL Grief.

  1. Denial  There simply isn’t any other possible framework or methodology that could, or could have, ever existed when it comes to IT Processes. ITIL is the absolute best and I had no idea how anyone could not follow ITIL to the letter. This is the answer to everything, including peace in the Middle East.
  2. Anger  Why is everyone at my workplace not understanding that ITIL is the best? Can’t they see there’s simply no other way to do things? Even those that think we are following ITIL have no real clue as to what they’re talking about.
  3. Bargaining  If I spend more time talking about ITIL and its benefits, then I know people will start seeing the messiah of IT that ITIL truly is. Surely it’s not their fault that they don’t know about the framework. *
  4. Depression  ITIL sucks. I can’t believe I’ve wasted so much time on this. Where’s the nearest doughnut shop? **
  5. Acceptance  Eventually these truths are reached: ITIL isn’t the only framework/methodology out there. IT Service Management improvements take a long time and not everything can change at once. It’s time to create a blog so I can publish my own experiences with ITIL and ITSM.

 

 

 

 

* This is alternatively known as the Cult stage. Yes, I did drink the cool-aid for a while.

** Doughnuts are my addictive substance of choice and what I constantly eat when stressed or depressed. And yes, I did go through a 12 step program for doughnut-holics.