The key to transformation
What does effective digital transformation look like in today’s AI-driven world? And how can leaders know what is right for their business when faced with mounting pressure to keep up with new technologies and systems?
The rate at which technology is developing has increased exponentially and, amongst all the noise, many organisations are losing sight of the key to digital transformations – people.
So, as AI continues to ramp up, and the pressure to implement the latest systems increases, leveraging a people-focused approach to digital transformation will give businesses a competitive advantage to see tangible benefits in the long run.
1. View digitalisation as a strategic direction
To navigate the complexities of digital transformation, it’s key to treat the project with the same level of intricate planning that you would for other strategic moves. This could involve revisiting foundational leadership viewpoints regarding emerging technology, followed by an examination of the project’s specific details.
Ensuring business targets have been clearly outlined from the outset will help businesses to avoid implementing AI with no real rhyme or reason. With a strategic, intentional mindset towards new technology, leaders will be able to ensure clear goals and engaged employees throughout the change journey.
2. Expect AI resistance and plan ahead
Significant transformation can always prompt resistance, but with AI, this becomes even more likely. Whether based on media portrayal of AI or personal knowledge gaps, for some, new technology may feel like a threat to their careers and everyday lives.
To navigate this, plan ahead and have engagement, communication and training plans prepared to roll-out from the beginning of the change journey. Regular check-ins with teams can help leaders identify and address hesitancies early-on, and should also take into account individuals who might need more one-to-one support to ease through the change.
3. Keep change personal
People respond to change differently, and a cookie-cutter approach to managing staff through a transformation is unlikely to be effective. Leaders should do their best to remain adaptable to the needs of employees.
This may involve enhancing direct communication to address knowledge gaps, alongside internal messaging that underscores the advantages of digital transformation, including increased capacity for employees to concentrate on higher-value activities. Prioritising employees in digital transformation helps them feel valued and extends the benefits of change beyond just implementing new systems.
4. Ask and act to ensure lasting change
Feedback is vital to the success of any transformation and should therefore be a core part of digital change strategy. Organisations must start viewing digital transformation as an ongoing process to invest in, rather than a one-off task to tick off.
Leaders should be encouraging team members to provide honest feedback throughout the process and long after the change is ‘complete’. Being open to further testing and trialling will allow change to reach maximum impact, and demonstrates that leaders are willing to review their approach based on feedback from the staff that will be most affected day-to-day.
Keeping up with AI isn’t about implementing technology as quickly as it is released. Instead, it’s about keeping people at the heart of everything the business does and using this as catalyst to shape digital strategies going forward. Through a top-down drive for lasting change, businesses will be best positioned to keep ahead of the curve and unlock real value through transformation projects.