By definition, an organisational transformation strategy documents the management’s systematic approach to change and its implementation to benefit both the organisation and its individuals.
It involves a fine balance among day-to-day operations, a focus on short-term results and strategic innovations that are benefiting long-term goals.
Management teams need to understand the process of organisational transformation, its benefits in the face of radical market and environmental changes and the critical components and systems that make part of a sound organisational transformation strategy.
Below we look at three key stages for effectively managing organisational transformation: past, present and future.
1. Transform the Past
As your business grows, so do the requirements to support its growth. Before rushing in with the new, the process of change and transformation has to take into account past developments, leadership direction and successful infrastructure mechanisms.
Look at the essential operational components of the business and its management policies and analyse what supports the change process and what does not. Take particular note of past crisis response management, an important lever for organisational transformation.
2. Analyse the Present
An effective organisational transformation strategy involves everything from streamlining business systems to consolidating new acquisitions operationally and culturally. Integrate or divest resources, upgrade or reconfigure systems to align with the current business operational requirements.
Furthermore, analyse current systems and infrastructure for gaps and vulnerabilities and strengthen and provide recommendations and solutions for immediate operational challenges. Explore best practices used by other similar organisations through knowledge acquisition and internalisation.
3. Invest in the Future
Moving forward, any organisation needs to develop the capabilities and infrastructure fitted to its specific industry and context. The inclusion of new directions, new processes and business models are an integral part of an organisational transformation strategy.
Encourage innovation, trial and experimentation and take the necessary steps to implement a strategy that benefits digital transformation and disruptive innovations. The goal is to secure a sustainable competitive advantage over long-term through strategic flexibility and systems enhancements.
By going through the above stages, organisations can establish new developmental pathways, enhance performance and react successfully to changes in the environment.
