By Lauren Fenthum
<---- To view/save infographic CLICK HERESuccess in the digital era is not as simple as it may seem, if it was, we would be seeing more companies from the industrial age thriving, and that means that revolutionary companies like that of Uber, Airbnb and the likes would not be necessary. However, we know that this is not the case. A recent Harvard Business Review published a study of 57 reorganizations, showing that only one-third of those reorgs produced any form of meaningful improvement, with most of the companies showing no effect and some actually destroying value. This gives off the idea that reorganizations are only highly successful if you’re a management consulting firm. Despite that, there are still some seemingly traditional organizations returning to their innovative tools. To succeed in reorganization companies should look at incorporating these steps below:
1. Start with A Hard Sell - Reorganizations are supported by company leadership. Top-down support is crucial for creating an environment where innovation can grow. It’s not easy coming to terms that change is needed, especially when it comes to understanding that the idea that made your business successful may not be the thing that will keep it at the same level. Start by emphasizing your company’s history and recognize it's achievements. A transformation can only be successful when you give credit to the present and realistic about the future. Hard sells come in two forms, aspiration and desperation. Aspirational selling is when you fixate on a superior version of your organization, whereas selling desperation has been seen to be just as effective because nobody wants to oversee the sinking of the Titanic.
2. MacGyver The Situation - Companies under transformation are working towards getting buy-in from fellow leaders, they should still keep in mind exploring ways to generate and support their arguments. This means creating teams that actually get out of the office and go and speak to customers, generating on-demand insights. By using this tactic, you are approaching your team with a “look what I learnt” approach instead of a “this is what we are going to do” approach.
3. Success Doesn’t Speak for Itself - The initial data points and stories will resonate with executives who are considering moving in different directions for the future, thus encouraging buy-in and will further create the right environment for the incentive to be carried out. The newly redefined success needs to be showcased and presented as a path to career acceleration. Case-studies are so important to provide exposure for early adopters and to explain tangible business outcomes. Turning success into viral success and then ultimately high-impact digital transformation.
Combining executive buy-in, proof points and an atmosphere of success, transformations will be able to take hold and lead meaningful results no matter what business your company operates in.
