Digital Transformation – Four Key Principles CIOs Need to Focus On

CIOs can consider four important principles before driving digital transformation in their organization.

Many CIOs and IT leaders believe their organization will witness successful digital transformation if they follow a certain playbook. However, enterprise technologies including automation, RPA, and IoT among others, are not the problem, as most digital transformations fail mainly owing to a lack of consistent and determined leadership.

Here are four important principles that cold support technology decision makers in their company’s digital transformation journey.

1. Focus on the problem statement

An organization’s digital transformation should start with a clear objective and a definite goal instead of starting with only technology. Understanding the real need of digital transformation for specific areas like improving productivity, enhancing customer experience and more, is important.

Only leveraging digital technologies for the business is not enough as companies need to ensure their frontline employees are aware and understand their main problem statement.

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2. Gaining support from peers

It is not possible for CIOs to look after the company’s digital transformation efforts all by themselves. They need to take the support of experts and their counterparts. It is important to have a trustworthy support system along with a couple of advocates at various levels throughout the company, ready to stand by CIOs mission and vision.

Peers and other advocates will understand the real aim of the efforts towards digital transformation and help IT leaders accomplish them. They will also help CIOs by providing transparent and honest feedback.

3. Readiness to face and mitigate challenges

Several times a particular technology launch fails, and some of the key resources are lost. It is important to understand that digital transformation efforts are not easy and it will take time and lot more work to get back to the normal. Even if digital transformation efforts face any setbacks, CIOs should remember that they have already created goodwill with previous success stories. Business leaders should hold their team together and focus on the bigger picture.

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Leaders can also talk to mentors or fellow counterparts to share their struggles and challenges and discuss new ideas.

4. Adaptability is essential

IT leaders need to be consistent through the changing demographics and adapt accordingly. They also should pivot in times of crisis. A long-term vision with the ability to embrace and adapt at the right time will help CIOs come out stronger. It is important for them to maintain consistency, flexibility, and adaptability for a greater success of their digital transformation efforts.

Keeping a tab on the aforementioned principles can help CIOs overcome setbacks and ensure success in their digital transformation efforts.