Digital transformation trends: Understanding is the first step to acceptance

Digital Transformation is a term that is often over used, while many organisations claim to be undertaking a “Digital Transformation” the reality is often very different. It’s a broad topic that covers a number of different types of initiatives. But, ultimately it comes down to two main elements:

Changing how a business interacts with customers using technology; and also using technology to improve internal processes, by making them more efficient.

The reality is that digital transformation has been around for years, but it’s only now that many are waking up to the fact that at the heart of driving a digital transformation, is ensuring that you have the right people and the right initiatives in place.

It’s claimed by Gartner in a recent study that, by 2021, 80% of medium to large enterprises will change their culture to increase their chances for digital transformation success.

Gartner’s study,  found that 67% of organisations surveyed have already completed culture change initiatives or were in the process of doing so. The study states that the reason for these initiatives is because current culture has been identified as a barrier to digital transformation.

Digital transformation can act as the foundation for future business goals. But implementing technology into operations is no longer just the IT department’s responsibility.  It’s imperative that there is leadership, and there should be no separation between the boardroom and the IT department. Everyone plays a part in promoting a digital culture.

A recent survey found that 62% of respondents saw corporate culture as one of the biggest hurdles in the journey to becoming a digital organisation. It is necessary for business leaders to communicate a clear digital vision to the company and assign digital role models.

It is also crucial that business leaders ‘consult with individuals at all levels of their organisation in order to boost understanding and knowledge across the company. There is little value in investing in digital tools, necessary for digital transformation if employees are not using them to their full potential.

In summary, it’s critical that businesses engage, empower and inspire all employees to enable the culture change together. Those businesses that make digital culture a core strategic pillar when undertaking a digital transformation will improve their relationships with customers, attract the best talent and set themselves up for success in today’s digital world.

For more information on digital transformation, please contact Simon Adams simona@ninefeettall.com or call 07500 605025.

Rebecca Brown
Head of Marketing
rebeccab@ninefeettall.com

I’m Becky and I am the Marketing Manager here. Starting at Nine Feet Tall was an important life milestone for me, as it was my first role after an 8-year career break to have my children. I have previously worked in consumer and sports marketing and have always enjoyed building, developing, and executing brand strategies. Having taken the time out to raise my three boys, I wanted to return to marketing and the opportunity at Nine Feet Tall was perfect. For me, working for a strong brand that punches well above its weight (or should that be height?!) in a values led organisation, with a team of fantastic people, and the flexibility of part time hours ticked all the boxes and I feel privileged to have this opportunity. I have been here a little over two years and have enjoyed all the challenges and opportunities along the way. My professional highlights are always when a piece of marketing activity leads to new business and personal highlights are the proper belly laughs with the team at our company days.