3 questions to ask before embarking on a digital transformation

Implementinga digital transformation strategy is one of the most pressing challenges for business leaders today. Embarking on a digital transformation process fundamentally changes the way an organization operates, but if you make the attempt, it can pay off immeasurably over many years.

Digital transformation is much more than implementing new software throughout an organization, for technology is only a factor in this transformation.

An even bigger (and some would argue more important part of the process) is the cultural change the company is undergoing at every level – from team structures to a whole new way of thinking about how to use technology to improve workflows.
Some projects may fail. This is especially common for companies with cultures resistant to change. In the end, technology is only as good as the way it is implemented and used. That’s why our teams work hard to help our clients avoid the most common pitfalls of digital transformation. Implementing new technologies and changing mindsets can be really difficult; however, these are the keys to a successful digital transformation with long-term value and impact. We are in constant contact with our customers who are creating and undergoing their own digital transformation journey. Based on these conversations, we came up with three critical questions that every company needs to ask before embarking on a digital transformation of its own.

1. are your customers at the center of everything you do?

The main reason for undergoing digital transformation is to effectively reorient your company around a holistic view of the customer: what they want, need and expect from your company. To do this, you need to throw out the rule from the days before mobility, when customers had fewer choices (and fewer opportunities to leave). Today’s customers demand commitment and service in a very different way than in previous years. What does this mean for your business – and what makes your customers special? Finally, what do your customers need from your company? This will help you develop a plan to improve your overall experience. Once that happens, you’ll need to join forces with various business units to start executing that plan. Initially, this will likely be your IT team, but you also need to get key stakeholders and leaders from other parts of the organization – from the board to the youngest employees. Everyone needs to be equally committed to the digital transformation project in order to effectively get started.

2 What should you do to get your employees to accept change on such a large scale?

Many companies fear that implementing digital transformation will result in internal paralysis rather than continued growth and success. Even if they recognize that short-term disruptions can lead to long-term benefits, potential shocks to the digital transformation program are of very serious concern. Most people don’t like change. Fortunately, digital transformation benefits both customers and employees, so it is important to communicate these benefits in the right way. If employees and leaders don’t understand the benefits they can quickly become an “army” fighting the digital transformation battle. They need their vision of success to flow down and be embraced by the broader team. A well-implemented digital transformation program can offer teams endless opportunities to upskill and take control of their career paths like never before. Leaders must communicate the value of these changes, as well as their positive impact on personal and professional development.

3. how to create a coherent vision of success?

Everyone in the organization needs to feel part of the digital transformation and the success it will create for the company. The vision must be communicated consistently and clearly – in a sense, it must become a guiding light for the entire organization, so that employees and customers understand the changes that are being made and why they are beneficial to all. Providing a constant flow of feedback is another great way to get the entire organization involved in the process. What’s more, leaders must not only communicate top-down, but also allow ideas and changes to this vision to be discussed by employees at all levels. This will increase commitment and a sense of shared success.

These are just three questions that come up in conversations with customers about digital transformation. Ensuring that companies have what they need to succeed is key. Source: https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2018/08/north-star-report-digital-transformation-research.html