Change is always a challenge but becomes manifold when the pace and extent are determined by uncontrollable factors and this year it’s been the Pandemic and the New Normal it has thrown at all of us. One of the demands of the new normal has been to incorporate digitization in businesses. Whether ready or not everyone has had to undertake some level of Digital Transformation to stay relevant and functional.
If we all have to make this journey then why not set out on this journey to make it a success?
Here is a quick roadmap to help you.
There are 6 milestones to tick off and you are assured of a successful run.
Let’s briefly understand what each entails.
The journey starts with defining the Why, the What & the How:
The Why: why are we doing this? Does the business require this change?
The What: what do we need to do
The How: How best would we need to implement the strategy as not to disrupt business, how do we get acceptability across teams, how to ensure seamless implementation. How to get everyone on-board
Then comes working towards the first milestone
- Defining a clear integrated strategy that aligns with the company’s vision and mission.
- The Integrated Strategy needs to have clearly defined Transformation Goals. This would mean understanding
- Where are the strategic gaps in the organization?
- How can you use technology to support the employees?
- What challenges does the team faces when they engage in day-to-day business processes that technology will help address?
The intent is to arrive at a clear definition of what is being addressed through the adoption of technology and what are the goals you will define for this journey to a successful digital transformation strategy.
Another aspect that needs to be clearly explored is how will the adoption of technology impact your customers.
This would mean visiting the following thoughts
- What experience is the desired experience for the customers?
- How will the initiatives arising out of digital transformation help meet tor exceed the changing needs and expectations of the customer?
A successful strategy needs to describe the why, the what, and the how, and be tied to specific, quantified business outcomes.
- Commitment to the task across the management cadre. Often once the top management is convinced, they will get a team to get into action and they feel they have shown their commitment. This is a folly. The top management needs to ensure alignment and Leadership commitment from Top through the entire management team including the middle management to the strategy. This ensures ownership and accountability across levels hence giving a better chance of success to the initiative.
- Getting the right talent in the right place: Digital transformation will require management to relook at the talent pool and the skills they have. It is imperative to reskill & redeploy people best suited to ensure a successful transformation. If talent is scarce in-house one should hire fresh talent needed to drive the change effectively.
- An Agile Governance Mindset That Drives Broader Adoption. Leaders need to be alert, they need to be equipped to address roadblocks quickly, adapt to changing contexts, and drive cross-functional, mission-oriented, “Learn Now” behavioral change into the wider organization. They need to focus on dealing with individual challenges without losing sight of the broader goals.
- Effective Monitoring of Progress Toward Defined Outcomes. As the goals and expected results are defined at the strategy level one needs to have a system to monitor progress on a regular basis to see the goals are being achieved and the quality of delivery is in line with the expectations.
- Business-Led Modular Technology and Data Platform. Before jumping into the technology bandwagon and being in a situation where a vendor decides the technology needed by the organization want, take a step back evaluate the options, see what solutions deliver on the needs and requirements. Check if the technology that has been identified as a viable investment aligns with the organization’s digital transformation strategy? Does it fill the gap in the organization?
I am sure, you would agree that in the ‘New Normal” digital transformation is the key. The quest is of ensuring a successful transformation for your enterprise.
