What advice would you give CTOs leading digital transformation journeys?
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Today CTOs and CIOs are now in charge of creating new business models, streamlining communication, integrating teams in silos, and digitizing products. Therefore, to embrace digital transformation, a business must be receptive to cultural change, which must begin with the CEOs, CTOs, & CIOs.
My advices would be
Analyze the present situation
Align objectives with business goals
Prepare your organization for a cultural shift
Run pilot tests
Prioritize digital initiatives
Investing in the right technology
Make a delivery strategy
Measure and adjust
Develop a budget plan
My thoughts on a digital transformation:
1) get buy-in from the top. The time, energy, and monetary resources that are needed should be well established. A digital transformation is not a grass roots movement; it requires TOP-down leadership.
2) leadership should clearly indicate their support and desire for the transformation.
3) education/professional development training should be budgeted for and scheduled during working hours to ensure training happens.
4) training should be emphasized so the path forward is clear to all involved. Those who can’t or won’t comply during the transformation will need to be clearly advised of the potential consequences in terms of their employment going forward.
You are going to face challenges with the change no matter how good is the plan. Get ready for the challenge. Cost vs. Benefit Analysis of the change or new tools is very helpful to greet the resistance!
Be proactive and transparent by engaging stakeholders early in the process. Allow time for mental transformation.
Engage with experts -- but with a healthy dose of skepticism. I am not a fan of "change of the sake of change", so try to find a fit that is applicable to your unique situation.