Insights

Happy Friday!

Welcome to this edition of?Insights?(#219).

Picture this: Two close friends, once inseparable, drift apart as life unfolds. Despite all the tools and technology, they somehow lose touch. Then, suddenly, they run into each other. They instantly recognize one another— their basic features remain unchanged. But they also notice many differences: perhaps they've put on weight, slimmed down, naturally greyed, or colored their hair. Now the question is: will they pick up where they left off, or will they need to reestablish their connection? Interestingly, this was the very dilemma I faced when I landed in Hyderabad earlier this week.

The city where I studied, landed my first job, and resided for numerous years has transformed so dramatically that I scarcely recognized it. Although some elements remain constant, like the fervent love of Hyderabadis for Irani chai and biriyani, countless aspects have evolved. Hundreds of skyscrapers dot the skyline, the roads are swamped with traffic, technological advancements are apparent, yet the divide between the rich and poor has remained the same, if not deepened further.

Change: The macro changes in the city, such as the skyscrapers and metro lines, did not occur overnight. These transformations required many years. However, the micro changes during this period - from land acquisition to construction activities disrupting traffic, and the accompanying noise and pollution - may have significantly disrupted life and caused considerable inconvenience to the city's residents.

Adoption: In a world that's continuously evolving, success lies in how effectively one adapts to the changing landscape. One fascinating element of technology adoption at scale is the phenomenal growth in digital payments. According to the?Ministry of Finance, transactions have surged from a baseline of INR 20 billion in 2017-18 to an expected whopping INR 116 billion in 2023-24. Nowadays, it's a common sight to find street vendors without a cash box, instead displaying a QR code for transactions.

I believe we all can learn from it and imbibe these to our day-to-day work activities.?

Change: We all experience micro changes at ground level in our workplaces, which may not always be pleasant. These changes could range from reporting structures to project delivery models or technology strategies. However, as individuals and leaders, it's crucial to comprehend the bigger picture and the macro changes in the organization these micro changes are intended to facilitate. Understanding the broader context can help foster tolerance and acceptance toward these changes.

Adoption: You might have a Ferrari at your disposal, but it serves no purpose if you don't know how to drive it. The massive adoption of digital payments requires a lot of groundwork, from foundational fiber networks to extensive marketing. Let's develop and implement our technology solutions or processes with an understanding of the user journey and experience so that their adoption becomes an easy choice for people. Consider your governance process and quality gates– design them in a manner that makes them more convenient to adopt rather than protest.

Let me conclude with this:?“The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”? – Bill Gates

I invite you to share your experience of “Change.”? Thank you and have a great weekend.

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