A Model For Transformation

Models help us make sense of the business world. They represent complex systems and concepts in ways that we can use to understand, interpret, and predict what is happening or will happen around us. We can use them to categorize information, identify patterns, and understand relationships. We can use them communicate ideas, too.

There is a model for transformation that we have seen work for our clients regardless of whether it's a business process transformation, an agile transformation, a DevOps transformation, a cloud transformation, a digital transformation, or an AI transformation. The steps roughly look like this: 

1. Align Leaders on the future vision of the ecosystem the company wants to create for its customers, employees, and shareholders
2. Identify the top company values required to support the transformation to that vision
3. Establish the metrics that will identify whether attempts to move in that direction are successful
4. Evaluate the company’s current situation and the changes that will need to be made to move towards the future vision
5. Develop a strategy to move in the direction of the vision
6. Communicate and engage people with a proactive organizational change management (OCM) plan that touches all stakeholders, both internal and external
7. Build a full-time, dedicated team of catalysts who have the skills and expertise to lead the change
8. Execute the initiatives outlined in the strategy
9. Measure progress and pivot as needed, leverage AI technology for success
10. Ensure employees have the necessary support and resources to adapt to the changes that come from the transformation
11. Continuously evaluate and refine the transformed state to ensure long-term sustainability

 You do not have to do these steps in sequential order, In fact, we would argue that's a very "waterfall" way to approach transformation in the modern age. Even models that you develop, such as operating models, should be developed in an iterative way that leverages test and learn concepts.

If you are looking for help building a model, don't trust anyone who suggests a sequential process of interviewing your people, taking the information away into a "black box," and then coming back with a big bang  recommendation unless you want something that will simply gather dust on the shelf.