Digital business transformation is by no means a straightforward process—after all, it may mean a re-invention of business operations to benefit from technology. It won’t be straightforward, and no two digital business transformation projects will be the same. Here are five tips for you to follow:
1. Build a Dream Team
It’s important for the whole C-suite to engage with digital business transformation, along with legal counsel and procurement executives. Everyone needs to be aware of each other’s needs and priorities and stay focused on moving the business ahead.
Since different lines-of-business leaders will have different priorities when it comes to digital business transformation, it may help to bring them together in a workshop setting.
Remember: the priority is the health and ongoing success of your business. Ideally, a high-level leader in the business will be identified to take responsibility for the digital business transformation project, able to balance the requirements of employees, departments and shareholders. And if there appears to be a skills gap—fill it.
2. Have a Shared Vision
Digital business transformation will be met through a series of projects or initiatives, so there needs to be a shared, desired vision of what your organization is trying to do and how they want to get there. It’s a fundamental change.
Successful digital business transformation affects every element of an organization. Every department and its employees must be engaged and included in the process, starting with HR, which will be instrumental, because staff will need to adapt to workplace change.
3. Create a Culture of Collaboration
For some companies, digital business transformation could mean the difference between competing and collapsing, yet it should be remembered that it isn’t all about technology—businesses can’t become more efficient, productive and innovative unless it’s embedded into the culture.
There must also be trust and partnership between different departments, with shared cross-functional goals and teams. This can be accomplished by finding ways to get people from separate parts of your business working side by side and understanding each other’s strengths and challenges.
4. Think Data and Innovation
Digital business transformation is not possible without data, which enables new technology and solutions. And data is where an organization can gain those important, actionable business insights that make innovation powerful.
There is now a need for people to become quantitative thinkers where measurement is important, yet only when the data analyzed can drive action. This might require the absorption of new skills through recruitment, or training for your existing workforce.
5. Don’t be Afraid to Experiment
Every business is different—digital business transformation will come in many flavors, depending on short- and long-term needs. Instead of going for the home run, think about iterative steps and small initiatives where feedback can be quick.
Make sure to experiment and evaluate with a business lens. And remember that digital business transformation is a process that doesn’t end—your businesses will ideally have the technical flexibility to triumph with what the world throws at you.
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