A Lead Consultants view : Five Critical Learnings for Successfully Delivering IT Transformation Initiatives

When you set off on a trip, knowing where you are trying to get to before you begin traveling makes the journey quicker and easier. The same is true for the successful delivery of IT transformation—having a specific destination, end state, or objective in mind (ideally all three) before you commence your transformation activity in earnest will not only ensure that the transformation is achieved but also that it is achieved more efficiently and effectively. In transformation terms, clarity of destination means that you will be considering the following:

• Clear Vision and Blueprint: Establish a well-defined vision along with a detailed model and blueprint outlining the steps to achieve your goals.
• Strategic Planning: Engage in comprehensive planning and ensure clarity on deliverables to keep the transformation on track.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Impact Assessment: Conduct thorough stakeholder mapping and impact assessments to understand who will be affected and to what extent, ensuring no area within or outside of your organization is overlooked.

Once the transformation destination has been decided upon, another critical aspect that can get overlooked when delivering IT transformation initiatives is the engagement of stakeholders within leadership roles to get their initial and continued commitment. While the destination for a transformation initiative may be clear and set, the journey to achieve this transformation is likely to be difficult with multiple challenges along the way. Below are some examples of how leaders can demonstrate their commitment and help transformation initiatives overcome these challenges:

• Providing a Unified Front: Active engagement and alignment as a leadership team to ensure the provision of united and steadfast support both publicly and privately.
• Consistent Messaging: Continuous communication of support for the transformation initiative, avoiding any language or behavior that may undermine it in some way.
• Visible and Engaged: Active and visible involvement throughout the transformation at the appropriate times to maintain momentum and prevent any cracks in the presentation.

Throughout the transformation, creating and sustaining a positive culture regarding delivery activity is vital to ensure that any challenges can be overcome in the best way for the initiative itself and all of the stakeholders involved. Promoting transparency and honesty regarding aspects of the transformation such as status, risks, and issues will help to foster this culture and will build trust amongst the transformation team and the wider stakeholder base by focusing on:

• Consistent Reporting: Provide regular and honest updates on progress and setbacks to build trust and manage expectations effectively.
• Open Communication: Address challenges openly and maintain communication throughout the process.
• Inclusive Approach: Less reliance on roles and hierarchy and more emphasis on a team ethic where everyone’s opinion is valued.

Another key ingredient to ensure your transformation initiative is successfully delivered is how your teams are working together. Often, transformation initiatives span multiple functions and have far-reaching impacts at all levels of the organisation. Ensuring that this is recognized from the outset will enable the right people to be involved in the right activities at the right time, regardless of which part of your or another organization they work in. Be sure to consider the following when thinking about collaboration for your transformation initiative:

• Cross-Functional Teams: Encourage collaboration between different departments to break down silos and ensure a cohesive approach.
• Full Value Chain: Address the entire value chain, leveraging support from both internal and external partners.
• Collaborative Tools: Ensure that the right tools are in place to enable collaborative working regardless of geographic constraints.

Clear destination? Check. Leadership commitment? Check. Positive culture and collaboration in place? Check and check. The final piece to mention in this installment of our series is maximising delivery effectiveness. Although there are many approaches to delivery, there are a few key ingredients that are a must-have regardless of the methodology that is being used, which will ensure delivery effectiveness is maximised:

• Thorough Planning: Agree on a structured approach with defined outputs and ensure adequate planning before commencing substantial work.
• Effective Cadence and Governance: Establish a strong cadence and governance framework with clear roles and responsibilities to ensure transparency and honesty in delivery.
• Third-Party Involvement: Third parties often get overlooked. Ensure the right third parties are involved and the organisational culture supports the change