Discovering Digital Disruptors To Drive Change
The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is upon us, challenging managers and practitioners in all industries to keep up with the ever-increasing rate of change. Characterised by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres the 4IR means change is everywhere. From shifting technology, new service models, increased client and employee expectations to fluid organisational structures, how do organisations keep up?
The best businesses can change and disrupt themselves, while maintaining their strong levels of service delivery for their customers. But who drives and implements the changes that are needed to not only keep up, but to get ahead?
Disruption is the new innovation and if your business isn’t thinking about digital disruption, now is the time to start.
Here are some steps to help you identify the change makers in your business who can lead. Chances are these people are already on the digital disruption journey and they are just waiting for an opportunity to help drive your business forward.
1: Follow the data
Data always leaves a trail. All you need to do is find out who in your organisation is making decisions based on intricate algorithms or models or relying on large, complex and real time data. Whether it is for operational management of assets, predictive maintenance, just-in-time manufacturing or more accurately meeting customer expectations – these people have already embraced the transformation that digital can bring to their workflow. They know that relying on “we have always done it this way”, “gut feel” and experience won’t work for the future of your business.
2: Keep following the data
There will be those already working with these decision makers who are eager to teach you about ways you can change your business from the ground up. Maybe it’s the person who lobbied hard to invest in or create data, who sees data as an asset to leverage in new ways, or who sees useful data in unconventional sources and will be bristling with ideas. People like this see hidden gems and opportunities in places you would not think to look. Who knows, you might have a revenue stream ready and waiting to bring to market.
3: Uncover your connectors and communicators
Digital disruption is not just about technology. It’s not about being the smartest or having the latest gadgets because at the end of the day it’s real, every day people who drive the latest technologies. To truly enact change find people who know your business and most importantly know the people in it, but who are also eager and excited by the future. Who would you trust to implement a change management project? Get this person excited about the potential that digital transformation can bring to your business, and they will bring more along with them.
4: Ask the IT crowd
Ask the team on help desk, or in applications support “who’s always asking for updates, who’s wanting the latest programs? Who is pushing the boundaries, whether it’s simply a computer upgrade or a request for the latest automation programming?” Even better – ask them who in the business has ‘gone rogue’ and maintains their own kit. This group might be in GIS, analytics, virtual reality, or BIM for example, but they are pushing the boundaries and expecting your business to keep up with the digital tools they need to do their job. That team will be able to tell you first hand where your business is falling behind – and there is nothing better than a burning platform to demonstrate to the rest of the business that status quo is not working.
5: Ask your customers
Who is constantly getting great feedback because they are exceeding client expectations? In 2018 more than likely your customers’ expectations for service, transparency, communication and efficiency are higher than ever before. Merely maintaining the status quo by doing what you did last year is not enough. The people and teams who are being lauded by your clients might already be utilising a whole new workflow, tools or technology that you didn’t even know you had.
There are many people across your organisation that will be excited by the opportunity to digitalise your business from the inside out, and you might be surprised where you find them. A word of caution though – throw out the stereotypes, while you are throwing out your paper workflows!
Don’t expect vendors, or your new starters, young professionals, IT team, or ‘geeks’ to solve your problems. Digital disruption needs to be everyone’s business. It’s about embracing the best of the technology age, while embracing the best of your business. You should aim for buy-in from your entire team for it to truly work. Develop a digital strategy and vision for your business and get support at the highest level – this will unleash potential that is ready and waiting! And once you identify the early adopters, bring everyone else along for the ride.
