Successful Digital Transformation Needs People

 Successful Digital Transformation Needs People

I recently had the pleasure of reading "Successful Digital Transformation: Your World, Your Business, Your Life… Reimagined" by Christopher Reckord and Trevor Forrest, published this year. This concise yet thought-provoking book offered a chance for contemplation amidst life's distractions.

The authors, known for their expertise in digital transformation, and for sharing it in the press and at various fora, have compiled their insights into a book that serves as a valuable resource for enterprises that are embarking or plan to enter a digital transformation. The authors stress the importance of engaging people in the digital transformation process, making them active participants rather than mere bystanders.

Leadership accountability plays a pivotal role in the success of any digital transformation endeavour. The book emphasizes the importance of approachable management and provides an illustrative example of how this can drive positive change. They also quote the adage, “if you can’t change the people, change the people,” to show how the right mindset is needed for digital transformation.

The authors assert that digital transformation should be integrated into an organization's strategic plan, and that it should have a clear focus that will guide the processes and the investments that are required. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the processes that exist in a business is crucial.

As with any other area in the business, even though the digital transformation document will be prepared by experts, the writers emphasize that it has to be preceded by a holistic assessment of the enterprise. Such a document that will affect the business is not to be prepared by high functioning “solution silos” but must include stakeholders. They have a key tip, “follow the people with the most paper.”

Inclusivity across the board, including customers and external stakeholders, is vital. Taking the time to notify neighbouring property owners before excavating a cable trench across the road, demonstrate respect and consideration for a key stakeholder.

Digital transformation should ultimately enhance customer and client experiences, even if it introduces some initial discomfort. The process of getting service at the Constant Sprint Revenue Centre now involves an additional step, but in my experience, the overall the wait time has been dramatically reduced to a few minutes. The ongoing cry for communities to have offices of financial services as near to them as possible at a time when financial services want to do business online is an ongoing concern. Digital transformation, in these cases, is not an end into itself, but must enhance the service that is being offered.

The writers insist that digital technology must be encouraged and embraced, so us petrol customers may soon have to do like the electric car owners and dial up our own energy and lose out on discussing the weather with a pump attendant.

The authors underline the need for digital technology adoption and emphasize the necessity of establishing governance structures in place before transformation in order to ensure compliance with data handling laws.

This book serves as a motivational guide rather than a technical manual, applicable to various industries, including utilities, banking, and financial services. While some sectors have made substantial progress in digital transformation, others, like healthcare and education, have room for improvement.

The book is a compact, motivating guide that can easily accompany you in your daily life. Whether in a knapsack, tote, or glove compartment, this book is a valuable resource for anyone considering a digital transformation.

Wishing everyone success in their digital transformation endeavours, aiming to enhance a sustainable quality of life, securely.

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