3 Mindset Shifts to Ensure True Digital Transformation vs “Lift & Shift” Modernization

How to tell if your digital initiatives are moving the needle, or just providing an upgrade

Companies have been pursuing digital transformation for years. But why? Growth opportunities and increased competitive pressure are certainly key driving factors.

These are important dynamics, but there is only one thing that should be driving transformation for any company: The customer experience. Until companies enhance how their customer engages with them, they are simply lifting and shifting their capabilities to fill gaps.

Incremental change focused on the customer is the only way to enable true transformation. But how can you plan and execute transformative initiatives with buy-in from your internal team, external stakeholders, and end users?

Read on for three mindset shifts that can transform business for you and your customers.

Mindset Shift #1: Think Holistically & Customer-Centric

The larger a company grows, the more prone it is to trudge along through siloed workstreams. Marketing leaders might not understand what the technology side of the house is working on, while sales and compliance may be at odds with each other.

Departments become more focused on defending their turf or pushing their initiatives, and all of a sudden, the customer is left out.

Case in point: A 2019 report in Forbes found that 83% of consumers say they want the ability to move between channels when talking to a brand, but only 50% of companies support cross-channel interactions.?

We must change our mindset when it comes to engaging with our customers. Before implementing any digital transformation, gather all key stakeholders to discuss and implement various goals into the strategy. Test your solutions through design sprints and work out the kinks as you go.

Mindset Shift #2: Think Nimble & Agile When Choosing a Partner

One way you can enable true digital transformation is to find strategic partners that fit your specific needs. This may involve choosing a more strategic technology consulting company that can zone in on your challenges and goals.

Large consulting conglomerates specialize in engaging a lot of full-time contractors at a given project. Their operating model also expects a high-dollar value, long-term contract. This can be counterproductive to your goals.

As many organizations have learned the hard way, choosing a partner where you're locked into a long-term, large budget for a key project can constrain you in a certain methodology in a time where the digital landscape is changing quickly.

Recently, I’ve seen a shift in the solutions delivery landscape. It used to be a matter of pride to list larger consulting companies as your vendor partners, but more and more, corporate leaders are focused on finding more targeted, value-based groups.

Think agile, nimble, and quick. These characteristics fuel transformation.

Mindset Shift #3: Think About Your Goals in a New Way

Real transformation comes before the technology is implemented. It starts with proper planning and goal-setting at the most basic of levels.

Managing change and design thinking are critical tenants of transformation, but early discovery sessions should be focused on customers and their needs. Without this customer-first approach, you’ll be working from behind once it’s time to execute the project.

Everyone is jumping on the transformation train. It’s become a buzzword across multiple industries and a badge of honor for digital-first consulting groups. But there is an inherent challenge in labeling every technology initiative as “transformative.”

Application upgrades, though essential, will not necessarily transform your business model. Yes, they may streamline processes and automate productivity. The transforming business model is what will help you outpace your competition.

Digital transformation, on the other hand, transforms business models and can open up new revenue streams. If these are your goals, you need transformation, not a lift and shift.

And you need a mindset change to get everyone on the same page.

Ranga Srinivasan is the Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer of Chicago-based Ameex Technologies. His company delivers digital transformation and service delivery solutions to enterprise and mid-market clients across the world.