It's the hope that kills you!

It’s the hope that kills you

First leg playoff

Peterborough 4 Sheffield Wednesday 0

Second leg playoff

Sheffield Wednesday 4 Peterborough 0

Aggregate final Score 4-4

Match goes to extra time and finishes 5-1: Aggregate final score 5-5.

Sheffield Wednesday win 5 – 3 on penalties

This was not the script to a Ted Lasso episode, it actually happened, the first time that a team has overcome a 2 goal deficit to win a play-off.??

We have a saying, those of us who sometimes stand on a terrace, or listen intently on a Saturday afternoon, “it's the hope that kills you". For me it is the old gold and black, I have followed them up and down the country and up and down the tables.

“it’s the hope that kills you”

It’s no different when it comes to digital transformation or any change process. The transformation or change offers the promise of improved efficiency, access to information, enhanced educational experiences for both students and staff, or any of a range of other benefits. We go into these things with great hope, and no matter how well we plan and prepare there are always challenges and pitfalls.

When higher education institutions embark on digital transformation, there is often a sense of hope and excitement. The prospect of leveraging technology to revolutionise education and overcome traditional limitations is compelling. There is an expectation that digital tools and platforms will enhance collaboration, enable personalised learning experiences, or break down barriers.

The initial stages of digital transformation may be marked by enthusiasm, envisioning a future where technology seamlessly integrates into all aspects of education. Pilot projects, early successes, and success stories from other institutions contribute to a growing sense of hope and optimism. The belief that digital transformation will be the panacea for all educational challenges can be intoxicating. As the process unfolds, institutions encounter obstacles and complexities. Technological implementations may face resistance from staff, and students who may be sceptical or apprehensive about the changes. Training and support programs may not be adequately resourced or implemented, leading to frustration and disengagement.

The adoption of digital tools and platforms may reveal unforeseen issues or limitations. Compatibility issues, data security concerns, and the need for continuous updates and maintenance can create significant challenges. The sheer magnitude of the transformational process itself can be overwhelming, requiring substantial financial and human resources.

It is the hope that kills you

As the challenges arise, the initial hope and excitement can turn into disillusionment and frustration. The potential of digital technologies may not be realised as quickly or as comprehensively as initially envisioned. The gap between expectations and reality can be demoralising for institutions and the community in and around it.

There is resonance in that old football adage for many things, for me I see it in the context of change and digital transformation in higher education. The hope for a seamless and rapid transformation can give way to disappointment and disillusionment when faced with the complexity and challenges inherent in the process.

However, just as in football, it is important to remember that the saying does not imply that hope should be abandoned altogether. This season Wolverhampton Wanderers had great success – they were not in a late-season relegation battle (this passes for a win in my footballing life). This does not mean that I will be switching allegiance to Manchester City or Manchester United next season – I can't, I don't live in Surrey! I will be back, supporting and hoping.

For Sheffield Wednesday, after losing the first leg, Darren Moore the manager got home and reviewed the footage, breaking down the whole process until 6am the next morning. When he went to training the next day, he didn’t focus on any of that. He got his team to watch videos, and showed them footage of all the goals they’d scored. He made a point of showing times when they had won by 4 and 5 goals. He changed their mindset.

It’s the hope that kills! It’s a reminder to approach digital transformation and change programmes with a realistic understanding of the challenges and complexities involved. That even when things fail and go wrong, don’t focus on trying to understand why, focus on things that went well. Institutions need to adopt an iterative approach, recognizing that transformation takes time and requires continuous learning and adaptation, and celebrating when it goes well. And above all, like Darren Moore of Sheffield Wednesday, remember that success starts with the mindset.??