Comfortably Numb: Why Digital Transformation is So Difficult

Digital transformation is an incredibly challenging process. It’s not something that you can just dip your toe into and see how it goes; it’s a complete transformation of how you operate, what you offer, and how you go about doing things. In the end, digital transformation isn’t a final destination; it’s a process that will continue to evolve as new technologies and markets emerge. If you are currently going through this transformation process or want to in the future, this article will help you understand why it’s so difficult and also provide some tips on making sure your company is ready for the change. Keep reading to discover more.

Digital Transformation is a Culture Change

The biggest thing to keep in mind during any digital transformation is that it’s a culture change. It isn’t just a small tweak or change to the way you do things; it’s a complete overhaul of the entire way that your organization operates. You need to change the entire way that people think, operate, and go about their daily tasks. This can be incredibly challenging because not only are you trying to get people to work differently, you’re also trying to change the way they think. This is a huge undertaking, and it’s something that you need to be prepared to invest time and energy into. Additionally, no matter how good your technology is and how helpful it is, it will do you no good if you do not have a culture that is open to change and willing to work in new ways. If your company is not ready for this change, it will be incredibly difficult to bring about. You need to have a company that is open to new ideas, willing to try new things, and capable of working together as a team to make this transformation successful.

You’re Starting from Scratch

Another thing to keep in mind is that, when you’re going through digital transformation, you’re starting from scratch. You’re taking something that doesn’t exist and creating it from the ground up. You’re not just making some small changes to the way that your business operates; you’re making it entirely new and different. This is incredibly challenging and something that you need to be prepared for. You can’t look to other organizations or businesses to see how they did it because there is no precedent for what you’re trying to do. It’s something that has never been done before and will be created through your hard work and ingenuity. You need to be prepared to do the legwork, take initiative, and start from nothing. If you’re expecting to jump into digital transformation and start with a fully-formed business model and product, you’re going to be in for a big surprise.

Internal Organizational Issues

Another important thing to remember is that digital transformation will bring up a lot of issues within your organization that need to be resolved. No matter how well you prepare for the transformation and how carefully you plan out the process, there are still going to be issues that come up. There are two important things to keep in mind here. First, it’s important to recognize when there are issues within your organization and be willing to deal with them. Don’t ignore the problems that are arising and hope that they go away; they won’t, and they will only get bigger if you don’t deal with them. For example, if the people in your organization don’t have the skills or knowledge needed to operate in the new digital world, you need to take action and find ways to help them grow. There will be growing pains and issues as people change and adapt, but it’s important to work through them together as a team.

You’re Still Based on Old Technologies

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you may be leveraging old technologies during your digital transformation. There are two important things to keep in mind here. First, you need to recognize which technologies you’re leveraging and decide if they are the best choice for your business. Second, you need to be aware of the growing pains that come with leveraging old technologies in a new way. The technology landscape is always changing and evolving, and it can be challenging to keep up with everything that is happening. However, it’s important to try your best to stay up to date. You don’t want to be using outdated technologies that will make it harder for your business to succeed and that could create security issues that put your customers at risk.

Summing up

All in all, digital transformation is a challenging process that requires a lot of hard work and dedication from your organization. It’s not something that you can just dip your toe in and hope for the best; you need to be prepared for it to be a long and difficult process that will test the resolve of everyone involved. If you are currently going through this transformation process or want to in the future, make sure that your company is ready for the change. Address the important issues above, and you’ll be well on your way to success.