7 "Musts" Checklist ?: When, why and what to communicate for Digital Transformation Pros

Early in my career at BCG, I attended a global conference for #ChangeManagement. One of the senior executives attending shared with me this #NuggetOfWisdom:

To implement change programs, start by identifying the people and processes that drive communication within the organization.

In my experience with digital transformation, this is still true. But I have found there are also 7 “Musts” for when, why and what to communicate when implementing change initiatives over time.

Nr. 1: Communicate. Implement. Repeat. ?

To drive consistent change required for digital transformation, communication must become part of an ongoing cycle: Communicate. Implement. Repeat.??In the enable2grow Digital Transformation wheel, we represent this cycle as the container holding all of the other areas of digital transformation. Maintaining momentum in this cycle is vital to success in digital transformation projects. Why? Because consistent communication and implementation – even of small steps – keeps your organization engaged, informed and motivated.??

Because consistent communication and implementation – even of small steps – keeps your organization engaged, informed and motivated.??

Nr. 2:?Communicate early ?

While communication seems simple in comparison to the complex technology changes that are being implemented, “consistent communication & implementation” is not to be underestimated. If you don’t communicate – if you don’t start a small implementation of something – you will never get to the point of quick wins, let alone to long term wins. And that leads to frustration which undermines the motivation and participation of your whole organization. INSEAD’s Harry Robinson cites failure to communicate adequately as one of the leading causes of digital transformation failures, explaining that??“People throughout the organization don’t buy in, and they don’t want to invest extra energy to make change happen.”

Nr. 3: Communicate clear goals & milestones ?

To succeed, communicate every step of the way. Define your goal, set milestones and implement step by step consistently. Communicate those clearly defined goals and milestones, and your progress to help all in your organization maintain an overview. I liken the process to training for a race. Only, digital transformation isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. And hopefully, like with a marathon, after your first successful one, you’ll want to sign up for the next one, improving your process and results with each next challenge.?

Nr. 4: Communicate changes (and what caused them) ?

A transformation process is not based on a set master plan. Rather, every company must find its own individual transformation path. While the implementation will be consistent, there will be changes along the way, in iterative cycles which also need to be communicated.??The changes may be due to external factors, or may be a result of new learnings. This is similar to when Google maps changes your planned route due to an unexpected traffic delay. Your destination or goal remains, but the required change - and the reason for that change - needs to be communicated to keep all up to date on shifts in the path.

Nr. 5:?Communicate progress & failures??

Implementation is accelerated with consistent communication of progress – and failed attempts, too.?Good leadership requires open and honest two-way communication across all departments. When employees and management are in a continuous, open dialogue, decision paths can be shortened and silo thinking can be broken up. The establishment of a #BuildTestLearn methodology ensures that new ideas are tested with real users at an early stage and constantly optimized, to result in a sustainable product. Testing requires some results to be failures, and the sooner these are communicated, the sooner all can move forward toward new tests until workable solutions are found.???????????????????????????????????????????

Nr. 6: Communicate consistently????????

The digital transformation of a business will never be complete, because successful companies are in a constant evolution. Achieving each new milestone requires ongoing learning and persistence, as the digital environment is more complex and dynamic than ever. Digital transformation succeeds when everyone works together consistently on implementation and communication.

Be extremely transparent, starting

from the first day.??

Nr. 7: Communicate transparently ?

As the path toward your digital vison develops, it important to continue to communicate the big picture and your purpose, while also paying attention to the small components. You may feel you’re repeating yourself. But you can never overcommunicate. From all my experience supporting clients in their transformation journeys, I’ve learned this:?Be extremely transparent, starting from the first day.?It takes courage to make mistakes and learn from them, and even more courage to communicate them openly so all can learn together, faster. A healthy?open culture?with leaders who support risk-taking and communicate with extreme transparency are essential for a successful transformation. ???

In the spirit of fostering an open culture where learning is prioritized, I'd love to learn what's on your checklist for communication. Send me a message or comment here below!

To learn more about how we at @enable2grow support digital transformation download our white paper here:

https://www.enable2grow.com/en/whitepaper/