The time to embrace digital transformation is now. But for those still in the planning stages, you might be feeling a little behind, which can be a difficult starting point. It doesn't have to be. 65% of companies are optimistic about their ability to adapt to technological disruptions in the next three years. So why not start now?
Define your vision. Before jumping into digital transformation, think about the experience you want to deliver:
Involve the leaders
Focus on culture
Gather resources and experience
Choose the right technology
Measure and adjust
A comprehensive Digital Transformation initiative will be your strategy to address change quickly across your organization. The most successful organizations drive change from the executive level, focusing on employee contributions and outcomes to deliver exceptional customer experience improvements. We're not talking about customer service specifically, but really understanding the customer need you're solving - and making sure you're solving it better.
When approached holistically, Digital Transformation can be achieved by focusing on three areas: Digitizing your operating platform, Establishing a Culture of Change and Empowering Employees. To make these goals a little more digestible, let's quickly review them point by point, so you can get started and reap the many benefits of a more streamlined approach to work.
Digitize your operating platform
1. Identify current tools and software
As you lay the groundwork to adapt to new processes, it's important to have an inventory of the software resources and systems you already have. Work with department heads or create a small team to see what digital tools and processes you already have. After all, knowledge is power.
2. Define technology and resource gaps
Once your digital inventory is complete, you will have a high-level point of view to assess what is working, where process improvements can be made, and which areas of your business remain untouched and are ideal for implementing more modernized and streamlined digital processes. .
3. Evaluate past and present digitization efforts
To know where you are going, you must know where you have been. This also counts for technology! Have digital initiatives been carried out in the past and what were the results of the projects? Are there departments or certain projects that currently have digital processes in place, and how have these efforts impacted productivity, efficiency, and more?
4. Identify new update processes
Locate current processes that require more labor or more time and have high visibility and impact for the customer. For the best results, conduct an industry analysis or learn more about where your competition has implemented digital processes. Small wins contribute a lot to your overall plan and acceptance.
5. Set realistic and measurable goals
Do not exaggerate. Think, plan, research and prepare to meet goals in a timely manner. But make sure you don't exceed your team's capabilities - or your budget. Failure at the beginning can discourage progress in the long run. But step-by-step improvements with a measurable ROI will be maintained quickly.
6. Establish a culture of change
Inspire enthusiasm and eliminate employee resistance by ensuring that leadership is engaged, enthusiastic and vocal in supporting new digital initiatives as they emerge. Even better? Encourage team leaders to host weekly or biweekly check-in sessions (virtually or live) so updates, next steps, and results can be shared.
7. Start small
It's ok to start small. It is the best way to promote sustainable change. Creating a big change overnight can create resistance and panic, as well as make room for unforeseen mistakes that can have a big negative impact. Make changes gradually, rolling them out in waves to measure progress as you grow.
8. Celebrate the changes
Renewing company culture starts with a leap of faith—even when the change is supported by research. Engage stakeholders by creating a culture that not only celebrates innovation, but values new ideas and feedback. Which leads to the next point...
Empower employees
9. Keep it simple
To drive adoption, you need to make sure your team is able to get on board quickly and without hassle. Eliminate complexity where possible and adopt processes that fit the work you do without shaking it up too much - at least initially. ifs
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