It Takes A Whole Team to Digitally Transform
“Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is a disaster.” - Elon Musk
If you're a leader in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, you're probably already well aware that digital transformation is not only inevitable, but essential for staying ahead of your competition. It's all well and good making the very best strategic decisions at board level, but how do you make sure that your team is on the same page and ready to embrace new technologies and processes?
Well, very simply ... you include them.
But, I've made my decisions already. Why do I need my team onside?
Nothing kills motivation faster than feeling left out or ignored, so letting your team know what's going on and keeping them up to speed, boosts morale and engagement. When you involve your team in digital changes, you show them that you value their input and trust their abilities, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility for the outcomes. They'll be more engaged, enthusiastic and inclined to willingly participate in getting the new show on the road.
“It’s no longer the big beating the small, but the fast beating the slow.” - Eric Pearson, CIO, International Hotel Group (IHG)
Communication and collaboration are key to any digital transformation given the process will almost always require new ways of working and interacting with each other. Including your team in digital changes fosters a culture of openness and transparency where sharing ideas, feedback, and concerns is encouraged. Not only does this prevent misunderstandings, conflicts and silos, but ultimately it creates a more cohesive, productive team who are all working towards the same goal.
“Automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.” - Bill Gates, Microsoft
Digital transformation is an excellent opportunity to enhance learning and innovation across an entire organisation. By including the whole team you're exposing them to new skills, knowledge, and perspectives and challenging them to think creatively to solve problems in different ways. In developing capabilities and building confidence, innovation and improvement inevitably trickle through into every part of the business.
OK, so I understand why I need by team onside, but how to do I get them there?
Start by communicating the vision and the benefits that digital changes will bring to the whole organisation and make sure that your team understands the purpose and the goals behind them. Explain how the changes will benefit them, your clients, and make day to day operations more efficient. Remember that up to this point they may not have been included in discussions, so be conscious that jargon and technical terms may only serve to cause confusion and disruption; try and use clear and simple language which concisely explains what you’re aiming for.
“We talk about automating operations, about people, and about new business models. Wrapped inside those topics are data analytics, technologies, and software – all of which are enablers, not drivers. At the centre of it all, are leadership and culture. Understanding what digital means to your company – whether you are financial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, or retain institution – is essential.” – Jim Swanson, CIO, Bayer Corp.
Don't just tell your team what to do and don’t expect them to adapt to changes overnight! Be sure that you have organised adequate training and coaching on how to use the new technologies and processes and provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the transition period. Invite them to share their opinions, suggestions, and questions, and listen to their concerns!
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” – Peter Drucker, Management Consultant
Yes, it’s their job, but don’t take your team's participation for granted … if they’re not happy it will inevitably affect performance and lead to disruption across the board. In acknowledging and appreciating efforts you increase motivation and satisfaction, which not only makes the transition smoother and faster, but also creates a happier and more successful team.
At Yopla digital transformation is our passion, but we know that it’s not always the easiest to get buy in from the people who will be affected on a daily basis by digital changes. That’s why we work alongside organisations to implement strategies in a way that is best for them, fully aware that every team is different. We make sure you have everything in place to get your transformation underway quickly, but most importantly, effectively. We’re always here to offer advice and answer any questions you may have, so whether you’re thinking about digital transformation, in the midst of it, or just want to check you’re still leading in your field, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
