What Digital Transformation is NOT about?

What Digital Transformation is NOT about?

Had the privilege of being a part of some engaging conversations/projects over last few weeks across the region ranging from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Singapore on Digital Transformation across different industry verticals.

What is clear is that there is no standard approach to Digital Transformation and different enterprises have different approached to Digital Transformation. The definition and scope varies given the Industry context, client context and the business outcomes desired.

While we are still figuring out what the complex journey of Digital Transformation involves, some things are pretty obvious on what is not /should not be about.

Exploring 3 discussion flavors. If your enterprise has a similar philosophy, then its time to rethink your approach to Digital Transformation.

Discussion flavor 1 . Do you have a Digital Transformation Strategy?

Oh yeah , we just hired a new Social media guy who is awesome with Twitter . While your social media can be a part of the external aspect of Digital Transformation, that cannot be THE journey.

Discussion flavor 2 .Wow, so you have a CDO? How do you interact with him /her?

Hmm..well  it’s a separate team and we hardly interact with that team. This is like saying your Sales team is standalone and does not talk to your Product/Marketing. The Digital team has to be a horizontal having a close implication on both external and internal facing Business units.

Discussion flavor 3. So what are the business outcomes you plan to achieve?

We have already installed /implemented XX,YY or ZZ solutions and now we are evaluating how we should organize ourselves to make best us e of these tools

This is a perfect recipe for disaster. Every Digital Transformation exercise has to first start with defining the Business outcomes. The tools have to be selected to match your objectives/intent/outcomes and not the other way around.

Digital Transformation has to have a structured approach with clear business outcomes driven intent.