Digital Transformation

Summary: "Four Principles to Guide Your Digital Transformation"

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Puzzle pieces held by different hands, each puzzle has a digital transformatin element like agile, OKRs

“Digital transformation is no longer an option, but an imperative,” according to authors Greg Satell, Andrea Kates, and Todd McLees, in the Harvard Business Review article, “4 Principles to Guide Your Digital Transformation.” In order for organizations to compete, innovate, reimagine the work environment, better meet customer needs, and grow, digital transformation is crucial. A shift in focus is needed beyond implementing technology. The article’s authors summarize four key principles for digital transformation:

  1. Digital transformation is not the same as innovation

    Technological advances have been moving at a rapid pace and it’s easy for leaders to overly focus on all the incredible possibilities, such as machine learning, cloud computing, and process automation. Yet digital transformation is about achieving better business outcomes. Once you identify business goals, then you can work your way back to the technology decision.

  2. You need to enlist the enthusiasts

    The status quo remains hard to change. It’s best to start in an area where enthusiastic supporters/advocates are more predominant to sidestep resistance and build up momentum.

  3. Start with a keystone change

    “Every transformation is driven by a sense of vision and destiny.” However, it is hard for people to commit to a vision without first seeing some form of success before they commit. Therefore, the preference is to start with a “keystone change” which then can lead to greater transformation. Once a team can demonstrate the positive value of transformation, it becomes easier to build a case for greater change.

  4. Leverage digital transformation to reimagine the enterprise

    “Technology is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.” The ultimate goal for transforming an organization is changing how it creates, delivers, and captures meaningful impact and value in the marketplace. Transformation is enabled by digital technology but it takes people to make the change.

Read more about the principles guiding digital transformation.