A key theme underlying IT predictions for 2016 was digital transformation and its impact on the CIO. With a third of the year already behind us, where are we at today? In this week's edition of news for IT pros, we share some new perspectives on how to maximize your digital transformation – whether you are just getting started, or your evolutionary journey is already underway – and what may be standing in the way of success.
What's standing between enterprises and digital transformation? [CMS Wire]: “The reality is that digital transformation is anything but simple. Embarking on a digital transformation program requires an enormous amount of change to the organization in order to bring in a truly new approach. This is a complicated effort that involves people, processes, and technology, all of which are equally important to a successful outcome.”
A fresh look at digital transformation [Huffington Post]: “The biggest challenge around digital transformation is the skills gap — and getting needed expertise at the right time. Companies will find themselves with neither the skills to fulfill demand nor a good source for hiring those skills directly. The narrow-minded view is that digital transformation and automation kill jobs. Actually, though, in this new digital economy, millions of jobs will be created. And enterprises will not have enough skilled people for all the jobs that will be created.”
Altimeter report outlines 6 stages necessary for digital transformation in business [TechRepublic]: “Many conversations around digital transformation are focused on the IT side, and technology does play a big role, but there's a human side of the story and it's driven by the customer experience. … Digital transformation comes from change agents who act as lawyers, cheerleaders, and politicians, as they have to gather evidence, rally everyone together, and convince people to work together. This bubbles up from the middle of the organization before executive sponsorship is needed.”
Five leadership traits that will make you invaluable during digital transformation [Forbes]: “While the digital landscape is different for every industry, all are evolving. Digital transformation can be stressful, but you can also cultivate traits to help you survive—even thrive—in the new landscape, and become invaluable to your company. The future of business depends on flexible, proactive employees, and digital transformation should not only be a top-down process, but a process where leaders throughout an organization participate to make digital change successful.”
More news for CIOs
Gartner: Global IoT security spending to hit $348m in 2016 [ReadWrite]
Top 100 Most Social CIOs on Twitter 2016 [Huffington Post]
CIOs still don't get open source [InfoWorld]
