Many companies believe that employing the latest technologies is the answer to remaining competitive in today’s digital world. However, simply having the latest and greatest technology as a means of business prosperity is flawed thinking.
With the mistaken belief that technology is at the heart of digital transformation, organisations can often neglect the essential organisational and strategic changes required to survive and prosper in a changing environment. In essence, they end up ‘putting the cart before the horse’ by procuring the technology without teaching the employees how to use and maximise its benefits. They also overlook empathising with clients’ and staff’s needs which provides the main thrust and impetus for transforming our businesses.
Therefore, to flourish, any technological or digital transformation must be coupled by non-digital transformation – in simple terms, through its most valuable asset, its people. People drive transformation, and without employees having the right skills and capabilities, any technology adopted will be useless. People need to adapt to a digital world, which involves talent, leadership, culture, organisation structure, and strategy.
First, it requires employees to have a digital mindset, with the willingness to think differently. They need to embrace the digital transformation vision and the notion that digital tools will require a change in their work. Therefore, organisations must develop a clear strategy for change, enlist employees to champion change and introduce employee learning solutions that teach and motivate.
Behavioural change is also essential. Companies can’t simply introduce new technology into new and existing work processes without providing employees with the skills and knowledge they need to incorporate and engage appropriately. Successful digital transformation requires targeted teamwork, project management, and innovation training so individuals can learn how they can personally support digital transformation.
And last, digital transformation requires leadership support. Leaders set expectations and lead by example and by inspiring others. Therefore, leadership training is also an essential aspect to help them drive transformation through the workforce. When you focus on equipping your workforce with the knowledge, training, and necessary leadership support they require to develop a digital mindset and skillset, lasting digital transformation can then become a reality.
With digital platforms and other technology-based tools supporting new business growth opportunities in Asia-Pacific, businesses must take heed. This is especially vital as, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), technology will help the region as it seeks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic sustainably. With this in mind, businesses must think strategically before introducing new technological solutions and ensure they don’t forget that it’s actually their people that will allow any transformation to succeed.
Find out how your company can successfully manage digital transformation, contact us at Lim-Loges & Masters.
Innovator and problem-solving practitioner with over 20 years’ experience, Joel is experienced in Design Thinking, Service Design, Change Management, Behavioural Insights and Lean Processing. He helps organisations deliver higher quality services; diagnose and creatively solve systemic issues to enhance operations, and gain competitive advantage by opening blue ocean markets.
If you would like to chat with Joel about your corporate innovation requirements, please drop him a line at joelng@limlogesmasters.com
