To perform digital transformation it is not enough just to invest in technology. Employees are the most important factor for successful migration to digital business.
How to take everyone with you to a digital journey? The digital environment requires new ways of collaboration, new structures and culture, more motivating and creative environment, support for autonomy, empowerment and active engagement. To do this, you need to change the entire leadership style.
Today, employees want more control over their work and more convenient and broad collaboration with others. The culture of working together in such modern companies as Google or Tesla is increasingly becoming a role model.
Another key point is giving employees more rights to decide what and how they can improve business. When employees generate their own ideas, this is a very effective approach.
The right people in key places
The key to successful transformation is people in key roles, ready to drive change and ensure interaction with others. Success depends on both senior managers and all others involved in the transformation process.
Here, it may be necessary to redefine the roles and responsibilities of individuals in order to meet the goals of the transformation. These are people who bridge potential gaps between the traditional and digital components of a business, translate and integrate new digital methods and processes into existing ways of working.
Success is more likely when senior managers and executives involved in the transformation encourage employees to experiment with new ideas, for example, by quickly building prototypes and giving employees the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
Digital tools for daily use
Simple digital tools that allow employees to work in new ways should be implemented first.
First, the tools that make information better accessible to the entire organization.
Second, the introduction of self-service technologies for use by employees, customers and partners.
Third: do not be afraid to modify the standard operating procedures to incorporate new technologies.
Digital skills
Let’s go back to the most important asset in the digital transformation journey: your employees. The rapid development of skill requirements will require a more active approach from business leaders.
Important ways to unlock the potential of your human resources are proper training and retraining. Investing in digital transformation is largely about investing in people. And development not only enhances the skills of employees, but also fosters their loyalty, gives them an inspiring sense of collective effort.
Leader and his team
Leaders must surround themselves with brilliant people, often more experienced than themselves. A change manager is more a coach than a player, his or her task is to put together the right team. And, more importantly, managers need to give their teams a clear vision and strategy.
Transformation will take place only if managers live as they preach - they must be real. The digital manager is the driving force for teams.
More communication
Clear communication is crucial for digital transformation. All participants of the digital changes should understand where the organization is moving to, why it is changing, and why change is important.
By the way, research has noted that the use of remote and digital communications to convey the vision of transformation supports transformation processes better than traditional channels.
