The term ‘digital transformation’ is one that is challenging to define, and although many professionals will immediately associate it with technology, any operational changes are rendered pointless without the buy-in of the right people.   

In a setting where there is a positive company culture, team members will feel empowered to drive change and will want the transformation to succeed just as much as those implementing it.  

But how can a business ensure they can create the right culture that is able to support and drive meaningful change? 

Define your transformation

Do you have company-wide goals that are apparent and consistently communicated to everyone? 

With any change – and particularly one driven by digital transformation – it is critical to define how it will affect your business and what it will specifically mean for your staff members.  

Once you’ve determined what your transformation will look like and what culture you need for success, make sure to share your vision with your team members, clearly outlining the importance of their role in driving change.  

If you want to see people adopting a positive attitude to your internal changes, you must include them in every step of the transition and showcase clear, frequent definitions of how it will impact their working life for the better. 

Make your employees your allies

Digital Transformation thrives when there is built-in momentum that reflects the new era the business is evolving into. 

A big mistake often made by leaders is that they keep all the facts and plans for the transformation within a select group and withhold information from the majority of the team. 

This tactic misses the very essence of what makes transformation a success: Giving staff clarity as to how and why the transformation will aid business growth, will help them to understand the value each employee brings to the internal change. 

It’s important to recognise that employees would, understandably, be hesitant of change if they have a fear about what it means for their role, leading to a breakdown in culture as well as in the changes you’re making to the business. 

There needs to be an open line of communication between you and your employees with a shared vision, purpose and sense of adventure. 

Bring in the right people

Changes should also be made to any screening and recruitment policies, with a clear goal to seek out prospects who exhibit the right behaviours as well as the right skillset.  

Digital transformation is driven by innovation, so fresh faces who can improve your company culture should be welcomed, with the ideal being forward-thinking candidates who can assist in powering internal change.  

Ultimately, having staff members who have adopted your transformation ideas from day one will assist you in driving it forwards ten-fold.