The 3 Digital Transformation Trends I’m Seeing in 2022
With Q2 well underway, I’ve been reflecting on a few emerging trends in digital transformation that I think we’ll see more of in 2022. These three patterns are challenging companies to change the way they operate, hire, and align business to value if they want to succeed.
Think about moving from project to product. More and more clients have asked me about operating model transformation and how to move away from project management (the famous “project-to-product transformation”). I think we’re seeing this evolution because many companies realized that their initial idea of digital transformation was too narrow. Upgrading platforms and optimizing digital experiences was only the tip of the iceberg. Now, leaders are realizing that new ways of working are required to ensure they get the outcomes of their investments, not just inside of technology.
Honest evaluation in the face of economic uncertainty. Okay, this trend may have started pre-2022, but I still continue to see it impact how companies evaluate the investments they’ve made in technology. Many are asking whether the juice was worth the squeeze (“Are we getting the ROI we wanted?”). When the answer is “no” it’s usually because there’s a misalignment in how teams are working, or how business is being aligned to value, or how the org sees outcomes versus outputs. And that calls for a major internal evaluation, including…
Rethinking how to hire and retain talent. Though turmoil and uncertainty aren't that far in our rearview mirrors, Minnesota is seeing record low unemployment rates. In the technology sector in particular, there’s a huge demand for talent and, based on what I’ve seen, they’re motivated by factors beyond a compensation package. There’s a growing desire among this job force to feel a sense of purpose in their work, understand how their role ladders up to the big picture, and align with the values of the company. That’s tough to do if the way your org runs is outdated. If you want to achieve top-line goals, the company values and operating models need to overlap with what your talent desires. Those parts of “meaning” in our work are incredibly important to retaining and attracting top talent.
What trends are you seeing? Hit the contact button to send me a note, or visit me on LinkedIn to start a conversation.