The Intersection of Humans and Technology
West Monroe
We’re a global business and technology consulting firm passionate about creating value with our clients.
In the fast-paced world of personal and enterprise technology, it’s easy to bury your face in a screen. In fact, it’s almost hard not to. Everything we do involves technology these days, from opening a car door to changing the thermostat to boarding a plane to collaborating with remote teams.
In a world filled with technology, it’s growing harder and harder to be human.
The same goes for organizations, which can get caught up in the whirlwind of evolving technologies and an insatiable appetite for data. More tech! More data! The humans will catch up later. While tech and data are undeniably crucial in the digital world, we find that organizations aren’t making enough space for the human connection—and this will be at their own peril. ?
“Beneath the surface of data-driven strategies and fast-paced innovations lies a critical yet often overlooked factor: the people within the organization,” writes Beth Montag-Schmaltz in her point of view about why humans are the true catalysts for ROI in digital transformation. The primary issue at play: People change slower than technology, and companies are pressured to improve margins, beat forecasts, meet quarterly expectations, and leapfrog the competition. Technology is seen as a way to get them there.
But what happens if you leave the people behind?
Can tech bring you all the way on its own? The importance of the human element was on full display at the F1 race in Las Vegas in late November, which West Monroe attended alongside our clients. Even the most sophisticated, tech-forward sport in the world can become undone by a tricky pothole or manhole cover—forcing humans to adapt. Our Chief Commercial Officer Casey Foss wrote about the experience and what business leaders can learn from F1’s use of data and decision-making. ?
It's imperative to recognize that the success of any digital transformation initiative is contingent on the buy-in and adaptability of the employees. Case in point? 85% of executives say their organization is effective at ensuring alignment on digital vision, but 47% say less than half of their employees have bought in.
Just look at Google Trends in business from 2004 to now, with blue representing “digital transformation” searches and red representing “human interaction” searches.
Imagine deploying the most advanced digital tools and harnessing vast amounts of data without the engagement and understanding of the workforce and customer base. The result is a state-of-the-art system that operates at a fraction of its potential.
Leaders must champion a people-first approach, recognizing that a motivated and engaged workforce is the driving force behind any successful digital journey. It’s part of the reason West Monroe recently overhauled its core values—with “Be Human” at the top of the list. People are at the core of everything we do—from how we grow the business to how we deliver for our clients. While some decisions may be difficult, they are all made with care and empathy. We know that humility and boldness are not mutually exclusive.
The human + digital connection has also been an ongoing theme in Season 3 of This is Digital:
Finally, we will end by sharing this incredible profile of Geoffrey Hinton in The New Yorker authored by Joshua Rothman: Why the Godfather of A.I. Fears What He’s Built. It is the most descriptively human portrayal of the person who advanced artificial intelligence—arguably the technology of the year—and what might become of humanity as a result of his influence.
But don’t expect to read about deep tech—and instead, be prepared to immerse yourself deep into a woodsy island and a man who has experienced great tragedy in his life. If it doesn’t convince you that being human is just as much of a priority as being digital, nothing will.
The conversation around digital transformation is often dominated by technology and data, but companies must prioritize the human connection for true success. In a world overwhelmed with tech, those that are the most human about being digital will win. ?
Beyond data alone: Why humans are the true catalysts for ROI in digital transformation, by Beth Montag-Schmaltz and Douglas Laney
This is Digital, Episode 25: The Chief Digital Officer's Role in Disruption and Culture with CDO Ekta Chopra
This is Digital, Episode 26: Unleashing Your Full Digital Potential Through Data Democratization& The Right Tech Stack, featuring CTO Chris D'Agostino
This is Digital, Episode 27: Driving Profitable Growth in Enterprise Software with Managing Partner Scott Crabill
This is Digital, Episode 30: Customer Success as a Revenue Driver with Gainsight CEO Nick Mehta
Harvard Business Review | How to Add More Human Connection to Your Teams, Your Culture, and Your Business
I keep saying it all the time... https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/monkeys-with-baseball-bats-why-technology-does-not-change-human-nature-for-now-62d9884623f2
Senior talent management & development consultant & experienced "solopreneur"
1 年"Imagine deploying the most advanced digital tools and harnessing vast amounts of data without the engagement and understanding of the workforce and customer base. The result is a state-of-the-art system that operates at a fraction of its potential." Yes! And I might add big capital expenditures with lack luster ROI. I see this all the time. Thank you West Monroe. This so matches my practical experience with clients.