Failure to lead with a strategy
Digital transformation is not a one-and-done project. It’s an ongoing process that must be constantly nurtured and evolved. Implementing technology without looking at how it fits in the big picture can create more challenges than benefits. Digital transformation should begin with a vision, and any projects should stem from that vision. When thinking about your vision, it’s imperative to keep in mind business goals and objectives and how a digital transformation strategy can support them.
Lack of leadership buy-in
Any business transformation, digital or otherwise, is more likely to succeed when leadership is engaged. And leadership is more likely to be engaged in initiatives that are directly aligned to the business strategy. When proposing any new project, it’s important to demonstrate how it supports the business and will impact the bottom line. With leadership buy-in secured, you can avoid any budget challenges that will impact your project.
Planning in a silo
While in the past, IT was solely responsible for digital transformation, that’s no longer the case. It’s become a cross-functional effort across the organization, and as such, both leaders and employees need to be involved.
When leaders implement a new piece of technology without engaging the people who actually use the solution on a daily basis, they risk investing in a tool that does not actually meet the company's needs. Leaders require insight into end-user experiences to ensure that the solution works properly and does not introduce new challenges.
During the early stages of a new investment, decision makers should ask employees about their experiences with the existing system and get insights into how the process could be improved. Then, during the implementation of the new solution, stakeholders should continue to solicit feedback from the people who actively use the technology. Over time, the insights gained from this feedback loop will aid additional transformations, contributing to a cycle of continued improvement.