The Power of People in Digital Transformation

A People First Mentality

It’s a common misconception to think that transformation means investing in the latest, most advanced equipment and devices. While this approach may bring new capabilities, if it isn’t solving specific problems for the employees using the technology then it isn’t going to generate value.

While many organisations understand this on an intuitive level, they still fall into the trap of presuming the needs of the employees and investing in solutions based upon a perception of what’s required rather than the reality. As such, they will fit the needs of the equipment around the employees, instead of the other way round.

Doing this can cause instability as it replaces established methods with unfamiliar processes. This is where setting a vision plays a key role in getting employees onside and demonstrating that the new ways of working are beneficial to their development.

A Clear Vision

To avoid the risk of negative repercussions from digital change, business leaders need to promote awareness of this transition, and importantly, why it is necessary.

A digital transformation process needs to be perceived as a way to make their working life easier and more productive. Workers can be wary of a too-much-too-fast approach, as they may view technology as their immediate replacement. The way you convey the message to them needs to paint the picture of what’s to come – and their role within that image – otherwise they will reject it outright.

Transparency is Key

Getting this messaging right requires transparency throughout the transformation, from its inception to implementation and eventual review. The first step is to build an effective communication strategy, which should be designed and implemented during the first phase of the transformation.

It’s crucial to take the time to be open with employees and implement a structure that prepares them, clearly illustrating the how, what, when and, most importantly, why this will help them perform their tasks more effectively.

When people understand this, it can actually accelerate and energise the entire process, boosting productivity, encouraging greater efficiency and promoting a more energised workforce.

Take Your Team with You on a Digital Transformation Journey

There’s no single blueprint for a successful digital transformation. Indeed, any approach copied directly from other companies has a high chance of failure. Instead, the strategy needs to be unique to your own situation and, more specifically, your own people.

It’s crucial to remember during the transformation process that people enablement is a two-way dialogue for communication, feedback and questions. Regular announcements, updates, and milestones need to be delivered to employees, not just C-suite executives. Doing so helps keep spirits high and ensure ongoing motivation throughout the journey on which you are taking your team.

It might even be appropriate for your OCM team to lead and deliver the process under a one banner strategy, with culture, digital, and technology all linked together and aligned from the start, underlining the fact that they go hand in hand and bring mutual benefits.