The concept of digital transformation did not sprout all of a sudden during this pandemic season. It has been evolving for the past ten years, to take its current form. But undoubtedly, the pandemic has accelerated the progress of digital transformation by huge leaps.
What is digital transformation
Digital transformation is not just about investing in the latest technology. It is a continuous process that involves mundane, but critical, work to build a strong digital base, initiative to integrate different platforms, a cultural transformation, and swimming with the tide with an adaptive mindset. Digital transformation encompasses the latest in technology like cloud, cyber security, Artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things etc. Your organization would be missing out on a huge chunk of benefits if it neglects the digital transformation bus.
As conversations around digital transformation heat up, one terminology that has gathered attention is the digital transformation mindset. Why is it that the word ‘mindset’ is associated with digital transformation here? As you know, digital transformation is not just about technology. It is also about the people involved in bringing the technology to use. That’s where cultivating the right mindset becomes key in driving digital transformation.
What is a digital transformation mindset?
The benefits of digital transformation bring in a change. And having a digital transformation mindset builds that confidence in you to use digital technologies to solve your problems. A bunch of qualities is what differentiates people with a digital mindset from the rest. Here are a few of them.
Adaptive
A person with a digital transformation mindset responds well to change. He/she dares to disrupt and take initiative. He is flexible and upskills himself to adapt to the changing needs of the environment.
Growth-Oriented
Digital transformation mindset is driven by curiosity and commitment. Such a person is always on the lookout to learn new things and implement them.
Failure
Many a time, failure prevents you from taking the next big shot. A person with a digital transformation mindset views failure as a learning opportunity.
Ecosystem focus
Having a digital transformation mindset prompts a person to view the larger picture. He/she prioritizes the well-being of the whole multiorganizational system; Not just their company.
But how does one cultivate a digital mindset?
There is no guideline on how you can cultivate a digital transformation mindset. But certain proven strategies listed below might get you there, with ease.
• Start driving digital mindsets from the top: Like any other major transformation, a top-down approach would be suitable in cultivating a digital mindset in your organization. Change must begin from the level of senior officers, since credibility always rests with them.
• Create a safe-to-fail environment: As discussed above, we still take failures with a heavy heart. The negativity associated with failures has to change to make way for innovations. Senior management must make it a point to motivate employees to experiment.
• Launch a New Horizontal Department: Building horizontal teams have reaped huge benefits for many organizations. A horizontal department like a digital incubator supports the business in research and in coming up with cutting-edge technology to overcome obstacles.
• Build a Case for Doing Nothing: If innovation is what your organization sincerely yearns for, a slight drop in productivity is an expected outcome. Informal discussions can not only help one gather thoughts but make room for more creativity.
Hence while technology is imperative in steering your business to success, the people behind it must be given the importance they deserve. Nurturing the right mindset in the human workforce will not only help in executing your business’ digital transformation strategy but ensure that it succeeds in the future. This is a herculean task that requires more than just technical training. Since it involves people, a radical shift in thinking and decision-making is what will help in the long term.
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