Lessons learned from leading digital transformation

An Economist Intelligence Unit infographic

Digital transformation is a strategic priority for the vast majority of organisations, but only 21% have defined and implemented a digital transformation strategy. Evidently, some leaders are struggling to instigate transformational change within their organisations, despite high demand for digital innovation

“I’d urge anyone who’s starting their digital transformation to make sure they have a concise strategy around their UI/UX, so you’re reaching out to your users,”

says Michael Cross, digital services director at CSAA Insurance Group.

Put users first

Make it clear who is in charge

Laying the foundations of digital transformation is a report by The Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by SAP, which draws on the experience of three executives who have led digital transformation initiatives.

This infographic shares some of the key lessons they learned.

“I don’t think it matters where the accountability [for digital transformation] sits, it just needs to be somewhere where it’s clear,”

explains Nicola Downing,Ricoh Europe’s chief finance officer.

Leading digital transformation requires a range of skills that few executives will have.

“Don’t be afraid to acknowledge where you’ve got a skills gap, and potentially hire to fill it,”

says Ms Downing.

And draw support from fellow executives and directors, she adds.

Know your limits

Look beyond your industry...The experience of other industries can show the path ahead, says Bruno Villetelle, chief digital officer, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

“Some of the approaches to being successful at driving digital transformation can be leveraged from one industry to another.”

…and within your organisation

“It’s not the sort of thing you can do on your own.”

“people who are every day at the coalface working on particular things that you’re trying to change.”

Let data lead the wayMr Cross has introduced user research to test the impact of changes to their digital assets. This has proven to be a hit; fellow executives have

“fallen in love with it,” he says.

Communication is key“We acknowledged when things went well, but we acknowledged when things went badly, what we could do differently and what we could learn from it,”

Ms Downing says.

For more insights into leading digital transformation from CSAA Insurance Group, Ricoh Europe and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, read Laying the foundations of digital transformation

“It’s about keeping communication lines open and being honest with your staff.”

This user focus has bound the

company’s transformation

together.

“Good ideas often do come from

lower down in theorganisation,”

says Ms Downing