Digital transformation is a trending buzzword now, but like all transformation, it doesn’t come easy. It takes much more than the knowledge of digital transformation to achieve success.

According to a new report by Gartner, most digital workplace initiatives will fail to achieve their desired results through 2021, in large part because they ignore the role of culture. Researchers point out that “when initiatives are executed as a series of technology rollouts, employee engagement and addressing the associated cultural change are left behind. Digital workplace success is impossible without such.” To achieve a successful digital transformation, it’s not enough to simply introduce a new digital tool or process; company culture, supported by a clear vision and supportive leaders, must also change. When employees learn how to change their mindsets and behaviours, a culture forms that support a successful digital transformation. Here are some key factors that can help you achieve a successful digital transformation.

1. Define what digital transformation means to your Practice

Digital transformation is not about using the latest smartphones, equipment and electronics, it’s about leveraging technology across the organization collaboratively to achieve a determined goal/outcome. Even though we are talking about adopting digital and technological tools and best practices to the business, we are still talking about the end game, which is to ultimately create a deeper, ‘emotional connection’ with your customers to deliver value at a preeminently higher level and grow your revenue.

The wider vision should be customer-first, to leverage technology in order to create more relevant ways to engage with customers and deliver exceptional customer experience at all touchpoints along the customer journey.

A good place to start is to create a wireframe of where your business is now [as is], by way of people, process, data and technology, then create a snapshot of where your business needs to be [to be] – and then orchestrate a roadmap of what you need to get there.  It’s about looking at your world strategically, to see where the gaps are in the business. It is the first key step in your digital transformation process.

2. Create a digital roadmap and a clear vision

Before implementing any kind of change that will impact how employees work and interact, there must be a clear vision. People need to understand why new tools or processes are being introduced, how the change will impact their roles, and what the organization will look like after the change is implemented. Once people see how things will improve as a result of digital transformation, they are less likely to resist or avoid it. In addition, a clear vision does more than explain what’s to come; it can also inspire people to get on board and support the changes that are coming. When people are motivated by a strong vision for digital transformation, they will discuss it with others, ask questions, and commit to supporting it.

Getting everybody’s buy-in is critical to a successful digital transformation.

Digital transformation isn’t simply about adopting new technologies and then calling it a day. It is a completely holistic endeavour that requires an explicit vision for how these digital tools will be leveraged as well as a detailed plan for execution across the organization.

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