Digital Transformation. What is it?

We’ve used the term digital transformation here quite a bit.? But one feedback I received from our readers is–what is digital transformation???

Great question!

I often talk about “digital transformation” but what is it? How do I define it??

For many organizations and people, digital transformation focuses on exactly that–implementing new technology to “solve” problems or capitalize on an opportunity.? But the paradox is that many people will implement a technology or go down the path of transforming digitally” only to never realize the gains they expected.? For example, in one organization recently, the goal was to replace the patient boards in patient rooms with a digital screen with all of the same information–to “make it easier” for updates, changes, etc.??

It never happened.? Why?

The first mistake organizations often make is they start with the technology first, rather than understanding what their real goals are.??

Many leaders often think that the real goal is: to reduce work, decrease waste, improve market share, increase revenues–or a multitude of similar ideas.

The reality is that these are not real goals.? These are actually outcomes of a better product, better process, a better way of doing things.

The real goals should be at least one level deeper and well defined.? In the example above, the real goal was not well defined (nor well understood by the teams doing the implementation).??

But the goal should be a very specific outcome that is within control of the people involved.? For example, better market share is not truly within the control of an organization–that’s what the market will decide.? But the organization can offer a better experience, a better product, better services–all of which can contribute to a better market share.

The goal should also be clearly defined and articulated across the organization–and ensure everyone is on board.??

The organization should also evaluate what it is currently doing and how it would like to change that process in the future–and why.??

Many organizations will jump to tactics and mistake tactics for strategy. Attempting transformation without a clear strategy and reasoning is a recipe for disaster (or at least undesirable ROI).??

So, what should digital transformation be?

Digital transformation should be fundamentally reimagining how we work, live, and create value in a digital world. It requires us to rethink our organizations, our leadership, and even our mindsets.??

But it first starts with a clear strategy, well defined goals, and reasons for those goals.

At its core, digital transformation is about leveraging technology to solve problems in radically new ways. It's about looking at age-old challenges through a digital lens and asking: How can we use data, automation, and connectivity to do things better, faster, and more efficiently?

But true transformation goes beyond just implementing new tech tools. It requires a shift in culture and capabilities across entire organizations. It means empowering people to experiment, take risks, and continuously learn. It means breaking down silos and fostering collaboration. And perhaps most importantly, it means putting humans at the center - using technology to augment and elevate human potential rather than replace it.

The possibilities of digital transformation are immense - from revolutionizing healthcare and education to tackling climate change and inequality. But realizing this potential requires visionary leadership. We need leaders who can navigate complexity, inspire change, and ensure technology serves human values and needs.

So those electronic boards?? Never got there.? Why?? Because it was a great idea–but it did not make sense to any of the people in charge of implementing them or the people using them.? It actually created more work and a less efficient process at a higher cost.??

It was a great idea but without true understanding.??

So digital transformation is about elevating ourselves with clear strategy and tactics by leveraging digital tools–not transforming ourselves for the sake of the tool.

Article written by Maulik P. Purohit, MD, MPH

Organizational Leadership | Cultural Transformation | Speaker and Author | Digital and Innovation Leader