TRANSFORMATION NEEDS TOUGH LEADERSHIP

Daniel Newman is his article on " Why Digital Transformation Will Fail Without The Right Leadership" states a compelling case for that for digital transformation to be successful, the initiative must come from the top—from an executive who wields enough power to influence the entire enterprise. You’ll be the one to initiate the project and ensure everyone is aligned. You’re responsible for ensuring all C-level executives in the company are on board. Remember, digital transformation is only successful when it’s cohesive across an organization.
Here are your top three priorities:

1. Understand that technology is always changing; the company will need to commit to keeping up with innovation.
2. Initiate the transformation immediately.
3. Engage employees, consumers, and external partners.

A company’s digital initiatives may require restructuring departments or even creating new ones. Does your company have a social media department? If not, could it benefit from creating one? This is your opportunity to allocate employees where they’re most needed.

Worried about causing havoc with a company-wide restructure? Manage this transition with a well-developed plan that considers the benefits vs. cost. Change models such as Professor John Kotter’s 8 steps of change management, are comprised with a series of steps that can lead to successful digital transformation. Kotter’s plan is driven by the following:

1. Establish urgency.
2. Assemble a group to lead the change.
3. Develop the vision and strategies.
4. Communicate the vision.
5. Empower action and remove obstacles.
6. Generate short-term wins.
7. Never let up—continue to change, develop employees, and take on new projects.
8. Develop the culture.