To me Digital Transformation is a fundamental of modern workplace engineering, it is an insightful rethink performed by a team of open-minded humans who’s only focus is to make everything about an organisation, well… JUST AMAZING!
I know the “just amazing” outcome kind of simplifies what the tangible improvements are for an organisation in quality, efficiency, culture, brand status and profitability but it makes for lighter reading.
The hurdles that prevent many businesses from successfully realising this amazing outcome are often not managed as they are unseen by the people in the organisation. This sounds kind of harsh and is by no means the only place the digital transformation falls over but it is the beginning so I think we should start there!
I believe that Digital Transformation is a shift to a cyclic process as opposed to journey as it is most often referred. Culture is the place this cycle starts then pauses for assessment, and it must start at the top. It is the leadership team that must understand this is for them to own and drive, not outsource. The outside humans brought in must be in a co-pilot capacity offering their expertise to enrich the organisations leadership team.
I have used a few terms above deliberately as they are key indicators to success these are.
Humans – Organisations primary resource is people. They are the key factor in success in every part of a business, therefore culture is so important! If your people are not at their best and onboard, you cannot achieve your best. I am not saying without a great culture you cannot start but it must be a focus to get there, and it starts with the leadership team.
Leadership team – These are the individuals driving the transformation, this needs a cultural change from the start. I am not going to try defining all aspects of a great leadership team, but the clue is in the title, Leaders… well they lead not, command! Leaders are engaged and invested in the organisations staff and the benefit is immeasurable. (If you have high staff turnover, it’s a pretty good indicator you are doing it wrong, sorry!)
Outside Humans – Quality is key, and it can be a painful process realizing you do not have the calibre you need. Business is about relationships and they generally get stronger over time, so when an organisation starts a transformation process it must be brave enough to assess if the outside humans are good enough to co-pilot with the required knowledge and precision.
Digital Transformation is seldom cheap and guaranteed to create disruption but if it does not start from the best foundation, the organisation is unlikely to realise its hope and dreams. Transformation can be deeply rewarding and believe it or not, great fun!
Start as you intend to continue. Transformation strategy is fundamental to how an organisation operates. It will always strive to be better and be open to changing everything and anything!
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