Digital Transformation can be used to improve customer experience, operational efficiencies, bottom line costs, top line revenues, employee experience and much more. However having run it through from strategy to execution; and the more I think about it; Digital Transformation is as much an art as it is science. Here are my views on the same.
What all forms part of Digital Transformation?
For any Chief Digital Officer (CDO) or digital transformation leader, it is important to focus on Technology (which is the core of transformation); at the same time it is also important to understand that Technology in itself will not lead to transformation.
Following also form a key part of the transformation journey – the right mix and selection of technology, fitment into the overall architecture, training and adoption of internal and/or external users, underlying processes, benchmarked benefits, ecosystem integration, ability to prioritise and re-pivot as needed the order of execution, people impacts if any etc. These all form a key part of any Digital Transformation Journey.
Below are some of the science and arts part of the journey.
Science Part of Digital Transformation
The core of Technology built up (the tech stack), functionalities of the platform or product or service, ability of it to scale and distribute, API’s & integrations, security features, installation and launch requirements are parts which are more science oriented in your Digital Transformation journey.
Art Part of Digital Transformation
Creation of long term strategic roadmaps, the right selection of platform, product or service, the commercial build in view of ROI and total cost of ownership, the relative prioritisation of detailing the customer journey, ability to govern and manage the programs, managing the change, streamlining the processes, detailing the right data elements and utilising them towards creating benefits, user experience and employee experience are all part which are more art oriented in your Digital Transformation journey
Balancing the Art and Science
Balancing each of the aspects of the science part and art part is important for a running a successful transformation project. While different members of your team might be focussing on individual aspects or even a further narrow sub-aspects it is important that each of these are being focussed right from the top.
To be a Digital Transformation Leader try not to get biased on either of these and keep your eyes on both equally. To be able to draw the complete picture it is important to understand the science as much as the art. Balance these two and see your transformation dreams come out as reality.
If you are looking for help on your Digital Transformation journey or just want to bounce off some thoughts please write to me on mohit@moonshotscaling.com
Leave a Reply