Our Tips for Managing Digital Change in Business
Today, in Quebec, if we want to stay in the game, we don’t really have a choice. We need to adopt new technologies. But you should also know that a digital transformation process comes with digital change management in business.
The integration of a new technological solution changes the way we work, communicate and evolve. For this to be a success, the humans who will use this new technology must embark on your digital transformation initiatives and that is the main challenge to be met.
Let us share some tips with you for understanding and managing this change successfully.
Understanding Digital Change Management in Business
And no, digital change management is not just about technology! It is an approach that affects tools, processes and, above all, people. The human factor has a key role in the whole process. Moreover, a study conducted by Mckinsey shows that 70% of companies fail their transformation projects and that the main reason for these failures is… resistance to change!
So you understand that if you want to optimize the ROI of your digital transformation efforts, you must absolutely support your team through the necessary transformations by giving them the means to adapt and feel included.
An effective change management strategy aims to:
- reduce resistance;
- clarify the benefits for everyone;
- ensure that the new technology is adopted and well integrated into your business.
By putting people at the heart of this transition, we increase the chances of success and build a culture of openness to change that will benefit in the long term.
Our Practical Tips for Effective Digital Change Management
As we know, a digital transformation project often requires large investments. These investments are worthwhile if they make internal processes more efficient and effective. But even the best digital tools in the world won’t do any good if it’s not embraced by your team.
This is why more and more companies are turning to change management support. They understood that this is one of the most important points to avoid resistance, to ensure that new solutions are well integrated and, above all, that all this investment pays off.
At BeWave, we have noticed that some points come up often, regardless of the context with our customers. So, let’s share the 5 tips that we think really make a difference in your digital transformation success.
Establishing a Strategic Plan
The key to success when implementing new technological solutions is to lay the foundations with a transition plan.
Concretely, it means setting clear objectives, charting a clear (but flexible) path, and understanding the reality of stakeholders.
Taking the time to see how each team will be affected is to ensure effective management that meets everyone’s needs.
According to the BDC, defining its priorities from the outset and including stakeholders helps to avoid slippages and frustrations. In short, a good digital transformation strategy is the foundation of a successful transformation project!
Creating and Promoting a Culture of Change in the Company
Have you ever heard the term “change leadership”?
Basically, it’s the art of supporting and motivating your team to really adhere to the new practices that come with the integration of new technologies.
In a context of digital transformation, your leadership role is to encourage a culture of innovation in your company and foster the active participation of everyone. You must drive your team to dive into the project!
When employees feel that business leaders are available to guide them (and not just to force change), this is where the culture of change really takes root.
So, we inspire, we support, and we make sure that everyone moves in the same direction!
Offer Training and Support to Boost Your Team's Digital Skills Development
You can’t just throw a new technology into the hands of the team and hope it all works out!
We must invest in training and support to help your human resources. Give your employees the digital skills they need to be comfortable with the new tools.
The idea is to offer concrete training, adapted to the needs and level of each person so that they adopt good practices from the beginning.
When the team feels supported and equipped, they can take ownership of the transformation without stress… and that’s a win for everyone!
Transparent Communication and Feedback
It also takes you a solid communication plan!
The idea is to prepare your employees for the coming changes, give them all the information they need and do it in a clear and transparent way. Share the objectives of this digital transformation, the key steps and what it will change for them. They will be more than ready to board your project if they know what to expect.
But be careful: communication is not just from top to bottom. It’s critical to have strategies to gather feedback from the team. You can conduct surveys, workshops, or small group discussions to listen to what people have to say. This feedback can be valuable to adjust your plan according to the realities on the ground.
Transparency + feedback = a project where we develop relationships of trust that encourage everyone to move forward together!
Continuous Reassessment
Managing change in a digital transformation context requires more flexibility than traditional project management.
Here, it’s not just about following a fixed plan from start to finish. Needs, tools and even priorities can change along the way, and you must know how to adapt!
A good practice is to make regular re-evaluation points: we look at what works, what sticks, and we adjust our aim if necessary. By remaining open to feedback and constantly adapting the plan, we maximize the chances of success of the transformation and keep everyone in the loop.
Want to Know What New Technologies Can Bring to Your Business?
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