Empowering digital transformation
1. Empowering digital transformation
With a holistic approach to digital transformation and understanding challenges and obstacles, what can an organization do to implement digital transformation?2. Digital transformation strategy
A digital transformation strategy is essential for successful organizational digital change. A digital transformation should encompass five steps, but also remember the digital transformation strategy needs to tie back to the overall business strategy. If we aren’t linking the digital strategy directly to the business strategy, why are we doing it? Here are the five steps: Determine the outcome, Design the strategy, Determine if you have the right tools and technology, Determine if you have the right skills, both from a literacy and technology perspective, Establish the culture. Let’s jump into each one.3. Determine your outcome
The first step is to determine the outcome you are looking to achieve. In this case, this should be the business outcome and how digital transformation will empower the business outcome. If you are looking at implementing a new data modeling system, how does that data modeling system impact the business goals and objectives? If you can’t figure that out, go back to the drawing board so you don’t negatively impact things. Ensure your digital transformation can tie back to the business strategy.4. Chart a course
The second step is to determine the strategy to reach the outcome you have put in place. What steps will you take to achieve the desired effect? Do you know the parties needing to be involved with the digital transformation? Do you have a communication plan to help everyone understand the digital transformation program you are undertaking and the “why” behind it? Make sure you have a clear and understandable strategy for achieving the objective.5. The right tool for the job
The third step is the tools themselves. An organization may be super impressed by the bright and shiny object out there for organizations to invest in, but there is a problem in getting caught up in the hype and sexiness of something new. Instead, take a step back, evaluate the objective and strategy, and ask yourself: do these tools help us achieve what we want? If you aren’t confident in that answer, you may need to go back and assess further.6. Mind the gap
The fourth step is the skills side of things. Close skills gaps, whether technical or non-technical. If part of the digital transformation involves new software or technology, what is your plan to ensure people are appropriately trained on it? If you need to grow the literacy side of things, are you doing so correctly? Ensure the strategy has the development of skills with people a part of it.7. Culture shift
Finally, the last step is to ensure you are attacking the cultural side of things. Organizations should refrain from going around and saying they are changing culture. Instead, they should say they are “evolving” culture. The term “change” can have a negative connotation for people. Instead, use the word “evolve” as it can help a person understand you aren’t trying to change all these different things, but rather, evolving and, through communication, successfully empowering the organization. Strategy is a powerful way to help organizations succeed with digital transformation. We need good strategies to attack digital transformation appropriately.8. Let's practice!
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