Article

The Human Risks of Digital Transformation

Posted September 19, 2016 | Leadership | Amplify
Sheila Cox

Leaders who implement digital transformation through a top-down approach, consultant-led approach, or IT-led approach often ignore the conditions that prompted the need for digital transformation in the first place. They decide how to solve the problem without considering the organizational dynamics, behavioral habits, and culture that created the problem. In a rush to make a significant change, leaders decide to postpone dealing with human issues until after critical decisions are made and the transformation is underway. This approach spells failure. If your organization is rife with weak managers, a wholesale talent upgrade will be required. Digital transformation is a waste of time until you clean house. If you have good managers whose decisions have, nonetheless, created problems, then an understanding of the environment that led to those decisions is in order.

About The Author
Sheila Cox
Sheila Q. Cox is a Cutter Expert, specializing in change management and a member of Arthur D. Little's AMP open consulting network. She guides leadership teams as they transform themselves and their organizations to achieve and sustain new levels of performance. Ms. Cox is a systems thinker with deep expertise in IT systems and organizational, cultural, and behavioral change. Her consulting approach begins with a common vision and goals that… Read More
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