Digital and business transformation are enterprise-wide initiatives and done right, it is teamwork at its best as there are multiple cross-functional teams involved and hierarchies within those teams. Think of a matrix web structure. What would it take to move so many people, especially if things have to be delivered fast? It is no wonder then that many digital transformations fail or fall way short.
How does one know the transformation is not going well? They maybe just one person amongst tens or hundreds or even thousands. There will be signs all over if you pay close attention. You do NOT even need to look at a status report, just look at these signs for yourself:
- You are unclear about your role and responsibilities or your team’s roles and responsibilities
- You simply don’t know or vaguely know how you’re making a difference. You’ve been asked to do certain things
- You see consultants brought in to mediate or align teams (particularly, business and IT)
- There is a business case, vision, objectives but only available to “higher-ups”
- You spend the majority of your time explaining or defending your work, not doing your work
- You worry too much about failure and the repercussions carry a heavy price