Digital Transformation and War?
- Darcy Patten
- Jul 2, 2018
- 2 min read
As a digital transformation evangelist, I find it is extremely difficult to communicate the sheer scale, complexity and meaning of digital transformation. Now, nothing evokes an emotional response and conveys immediate understanding like a metaphor and as a result, I have been long searching for that perfect, implicit comparison. Maybe, just maybe, my search is over? Let’s take a closer look to see if war is truly an effective metaphor.
Unfortunately, war invokes negative feelings as its sole purpose is for national survival or for an aggressive take over. However, this is exactly the reason for digital transformation and underscores the level of urgency with which it should be treated. Either you are fighting for the survival of your company or in the case of the disruptors, aggressively taking out your competitors.
Now war is made up of many key operational disciplines to realize victory; espionage, national alliances, strategy, supplies, trained personnel, distribution, technology research etc etc. Digital transformation is also made up of many initiatives, effective culture change, actionable insights, user experience, business partnerships, strong leadership, technology platforms etc etc. Success requires the focus of the entire corporation in multiple areas.
The goals of war are accomplished through a hierarchy of missions and strategies; however the execution of the tactics is delegated to those in the field who are focused only on achieving outcomes. Speed in decision making and execution combined with tight feedback loops to evolve the strategies and tactics are crucial to success. Digital transformation demands decision making entrusted at the lowest levels within the boundaries of the mission and principles. Rarely do corporations execute in this manner.
Every conflict requires small cross functional, collaborative teams made up of a variety of properly trained specialists with current, effective tools that work together in part of a larger division or regiment. Not the siloed and isolated approach that assembly line management has brought to the corporate workplace. Digital transformation will flatten the employee hierarchy into self sustaining, multidisciplinary teams.
In war, there is no room for politics or bureaucracy. It is a singular focus to help the team achieve their part of the greater goal. Every team builds a culture of trust, family, accountability and responsibility. Digital transformation also seeks to remove control, power, backstabbing and fear in the workplace and instead builds communities that offer a safe environment where staff can bring their gifts of innovation to the company.
The parallels between War and Digital Transformation are continuous and uncanny. From research, to security, to technology, to strategy, to communication, to information and insights, the list goes on and on. It appears as though I have indeed found an effective metaphor to support my zealous digital transformation advocacy. At the very least it will make for an entertaining story.
So, if you are thinking of executing a digital transformation, you must think on a scale that is equal to a nation at war. Why? Because you are fighting for the very survival of your company.
Disagree, let me know your thoughts.
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