Kiosk Solutions Feb-Mar 2020 | Page 12

evolve or die Evolve or die Digital transformation is the industrial revolution of our age By Michael Priem, Modern Impact Around the globe, across all industries, every organisation intent on surviving the next decade of economic disruption is shifting from analogue to digital. Any company serious about advancing its brand, capturing its best customers and expanding its future is in the process of integrating digital technologies that will help them reimagine every aspect of their business. And most of them are failing. According to a recent McKinsey global survey on Digital Transformation, more than 80% of organisations have undertaken such steps in the past five years, but only 16% of respondents say their efforts have successfully improved performance, while also equipping them to sustain long-term change. Reported success rates in more traditional industries – like Automotive and Pharmaceuticals – are even more dismal (4%-11%). Why? That 50-page proposal made the idea of insinuating new digital technology into everyday business processes, operations, communications 12 KIOSK solutions and other systems seem so simple. So why then, are almost 9 out of every 10 organisations who attempt any type of digital transformation dissatisfied with the results? Because digital transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s about leadership and partnership and stewardship. It should come as no surprise that one of the most important influences McKinsey identified when it comes to determining the ultimate outcome of any transformation is a team of leaders who not only understand digital tech but also feel a sense of urgency about leveraging it; who can’t wait to start the process and bring the rest of the organisation along. That’s a tall order, becoming that kind of leader. Being someone who’s willing to challenge the status quo, experiment with the unfamiliar and get comfortable with the prospect of failure. But the only time we see any organisation enjoy dramatic growth is when they tried something (and hired someone) dramatically different. Which brings us to an equally important ingredient of transformational leadership: integrators. According to McKinsey, the leaders most likely to succeed in exacting change are those willing to step back and recruit uniquely qualified partners who’ll help them integrate – and translate – new digital tactics into existing and evolving business strategies. Given that description, it follows that the best integrators do much more than just provide technical specs or practical explanations of the digital solutions being developed. They also excel at crafting and communicating a “change story” that helps employees and other stakeholders understand where the organization is headed, why it’s transforming itself, and what will happen when it does. The integrators you choose and the change story they tell are particularly important when it comes to the evolution of your marketing systems. That digital transformation will eventually affect every aspect of your business, KIOSK solutions 13