Most leaders believe in the ability of technology to bring transformative change to their organisation. But they also feel frustrated with how hard it is to get great results from new technology.
A small but significant minority, however, do not feel this frustration. This group has developed the management and technology skills to realise the potential of new technologies. They manage digital transformation very deliberately from the top.
Those leaders who successfully achieve digital transformation of their organisations drive that change through effective leadership. This is what separates these leaders (the ‘digirati’) from the pack. Their leadership is underpinned by a well‑defined process, clearly communicated to their organisation and directly linked to measurable business outcomes.
At Nous we define digital transformation as, “the organisational ability to use new digital technologies (social media, mobile, cloud, analytics and wearables) to do things ‘better’ and ‘differently’ for customers, employees and partners (such as enhanced experience, improved operational performance and the generation of new opportunities).” ‘Better’ and ‘differently’ deliver real competitive advantage. Digital transformation delivers digitally agile organisations that are able to sustain these key elements.
The ‘digerati’ manage digital transformation very deliberately from the top. The ‘digirati’ understand that in order to achieve digital transformation they must embed digital agility at every level of the organisation. They find ways forward by taking steps such as creation of a roadmap towards digital transformation; development of business cases for technology adoption; and work to ensure end-to-end customer and employee experience and design.