The Ultra Run of IT Transformation

Like every other long run, this triggered loads of introspection and thought relays that I have tried penning it down here. My earnest attempt to keep it as short albeit the run itself which lasted more than 6 hours on the Sunday 6th December, 2020 when I completed 50 kms to mature into an Ultra Runner from a Full Marathoner.

As my mind played back the near 3 decades of my professional life and as I savoured the experience of driving IT transformations covering different industry verticals, domains across multiple Companies; I could juxtapose my ultra run to the IT transformational initiatives, drawing an analogy to each of the core elements that make both happen. 

1. Commitment - As rhetoric and repetitive it may sound, the first step to any journey is the commitment to it. This holds good for undertaking an Ultra Run or an IT transformation initiative. It is the resolve to stay on till the end.. to keep the resilience and the fortitude to endure till the goal is achieved that fuels the path to meeting the target. A commitment is never perfunctory, it is binary and a zero value moves you to the start line or a value of one consummates the journey. An IT transformation too starts with this commitment, to get through the expedition 
2. Consistency - Given that this was my first ultra run, it required a strategy suiting the situation. It needed some thoughts around the pace and path along with introspection around my previous mileages before coming up with the game plan to stay consistent and steady paced. Most IT transformation drives demand this consistency to play out the path perfectly. There is a need for a specific cadence to be maintained, to allow the Organisation to absorb and adopt the change ahead of the next sprint. Like in a long long run, it is important for the body to embrace the conditions before allowing it to perform untiringly!!!
3. Construction - On further contemplation, I realise that the basic construct is very crucial to help the body perform. It is years of strength building, heart rate and speed training plus endurance running that builds the capacity to withstand the mileage.. so is it in a Technology driven Business transformation effort when preparation to the project is key. No new venture is a fluke, it comes with strong foundation and framework. Like every relevant muscle involved needs strengthening, every personnel involved needs reinforcement and nourishment - the build up ranging from augmenting the team to training the resources and instilling the core value driving the metamorphosis, so that each of them operate with utmost ownership and passion. 
4. Capital - Every long distance runner can never undermine the importance of support; a self supported long distance run imposes restrictions on the quantity of ammunition one can carry to fire up the body, so you lug on only the necessary hydration and sustenance materials to last you the entire route and it also warrants ingesting the fuel at the right time and firing up the right arrows from the quiver to keep you moving.. Likewise, in an Organisation transformation drive steered by IT, the constraints on capital is intrinsic and native; the demand for resources are plenty and a prudent utilisation is not just necessary but existential. A one shot capital ingestion to scale through the next few years may displace your position for the future longer tenure. So, It is important to have the right allocation of resources and adoption of the right technology strategy - cloud included - and utilisation mapped in line with the same to get through the journey successfully and meet the ultimate objective that you set out for in the first place!! 
5. Companion - Last but not the least, my co-runner and buddy was a great source of guidance and support all through the run. We shared the vision of completing my first ultra run and we were ready to move at the same pace. A strong Technology Partner who shares a common vision and is ready to move in tandem with your demands and carries the capability to push you during the course where required, is a necessity for a successful Transformation project. A partner who completely understands your business prerogatives and owns your vision and directs, supports and steers you through the path, altering the speed, cadence and course based on experience and feedback; goes a long way in ensuring a successful ultra run in IT transformation.

I believe I have a better shot at success by diligently following the above 5 Cs!!! Whats your take???