Start you Digital Journey by NOT transforming

So it all started this morning when I read another article about digital transformation (DT) and it got me irritated..once again. It's one of those great articles where a bunch of figures such as uni professors, business owners, politicians come together to write revelations about DT. You'd think in 2020, especially using COVID 19 as an (overused) excuse to publish their paper, they would come out with something original, ground breaking or at leat useful to unravel the mysteries of DT. Though, instead, they produce a paper like so many others...yet again.

I guess I am a bit tired of “experts” that go around companies telling them what to do and what they’re lacking. 

More than a one night stand

Whether you think it's led by IT, Marketing, a newly created Digital department, or a Lean 6 sigma efficiency super inside agency, most scholars and businesses would tell you that DT impacts everyone. Well, they got that right! More importantly and I think it all lies in here, it is not just a one off. Something one can do and close the chapter and say we’ve transformed! Actually it should not be called as such because a transformation would mean going from a one state to a different state. The only one thing that would transform is way more than IT or whichever office gets money for DT. 

What really needs to transform is way more subtle.

Have you tried getting your partner to change

Deep inside, it is people's culture, their mindset. And by people I don't mean just employees or just management. It's the whole organisation's mindset that needs to transform. So it should not be called a DT but in stead a MT, a mindset transformation. It is only when this MT is reached that the organisation will actually transform. Let's be clear whether it is with next technologies, industry 4.0, Big Data, virtual reality or you name it, it has never been easy to instil a mindset! Tried it with your partner at home? Oh you know exactly what I mean...

The main focus should not be on Digital, but on Transformation.

It is only once this is achieved that the Digital Journey (DJ) can start!

Now the tricky part is how do you CAPEX and estimate your ROI with a mindset change?

Oh but s.he can do it better

Some big companies find it easier not to worry too much and to outsource such service to consultancies that pretend they are DT experts. It allows organisations to get a quote, a budget line and a clear(er) horizon drawn and given by them big players (D*, P*, A*, etc...). That only means getting someone to come and organise your company for you, telling people they don’t know what they are doing and how they should work.

Ultimately, when things don't work out (because they won't), they’ll tell you you didn’t invest enough on change management and you failed to engage your employees. Or worse that some employees are unworthy.

The ones that did not abide will probably leave because the organisation has become toxic to them. Some will be greatly involved from the start and will be your best allies throughout. And some will be silent detractors that you will carry on for a while. What I can tell you for sure (for doing it!), it is that it is painful, indeed toxic and harmful for management, employees and company culture. It's kind of that bad idea you thought would be cool at the time, but now it's left you with a gross soar you will hide for the rest of your life.

So the problem we were facing just then is that management pushed for change without changing themselves first, looking for someone to do their job really!

Save your household

If your company is still looking at going on this journey, the work needs to be done from within. Talking things through. Grasping people's ideas. Imagining things that can be done hand in hand, together to get on that Digital Journey. It could be over 1, 2, 5, 10 years... it's just not something you can buy off the shelf.

If you are reading this all the way to here, your mindset is probably in the right place to start with. Talk to your partner.s. Talk to your employee.s. Talk to your management. Set mini goals. Aim for something.

A small successful transformation is better than a huge/expensive failed one.

Now, by all means, if you think you need a bit of help to actually lead this journey through, that's totally understandable. Pick the help that won't force itself onto your own culture. Pick the help that would sit by your side and guide you along your journey.

A journey that will lead you to creating Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely projects that you can easily capitalise on (CAPEX - yes please!).

To keep going with my analogy, it's a bit like seeing a therapist to help your marriage. It will help you walk the walk towards your core. You will improve things without losing things you currently have and love.

Oh or like, if you want to build a tower, you wouldn't go around buying a story here and a story there. You'd look at what you need to do, plan your work, know where you're going (eventually rely on an interior designer to help you make it special), and then you'll transform your into a tower!

Summary

• It's less about Digital and more about Transformation.
• Do not buy a culture, nurture it from within.
• A small successful transformation is better than a huge/expensive failed one.