Business Transformation: Doing it Right Part Two

Discussions about companies shifting to digital processes for profit and efficiency are on the rise. But it's not just about recognizing the need—it's about how to make it happen. In my earlier post, I talked about why bringing in an impartial third party can really boost a company's chances of hitting its transformation goals. I mentioned better success rates, ranging from 10% to a whopping 90%, depending on the project. Plus, I stressed the value of objectivity for project success.

To wrap up, let's dig into the added value an unbiased third party, like an independent consultant, can bring. They offer a clear objective and well-defined project focus, which improves the chances of success.

Focus

We've all lived through the fizzle of at least one major business initiative. From a rousing kickoff event filled with enthusiasm and promises of change to the slow, whimpering death of momentum and interest, it's a scenario that plays out over and over again in the corporate world. The fallout from such failed endeavors is real and significant, impacting not just the bottom line but also employee morale and trust in leadership.

Letting a major project die on the vine not only deals a serious blow to morale but also erodes confidence in leadership. When a second or third initiative meets the same fate, employees begin to question the organization's ability to effectively execute change. This breeds skepticism and resistance to any future change movements, no matter how well-intentioned they may be. I'm not here to point fingers or assign blame; I'm simply acknowledging the reality that many of us have experienced firsthand.

The demise of most major initiatives can often be traced back to one common culprit: lost momentum. There are several reasons why momentum dissipates, but perhaps the most prevalent is the ever-changing landscape of organizational priorities. As new, urgent issues arise—be it regulatory changes, market shifts, or internal crises—the focus on the business transformation or digital transformation project naturally wanes.

Yet, even amidst these shifting priorities, there always seems to be another shiny, urgent project waiting just around the corner. One that promises to be quick and easy to complete, diverting attention and resources away from the ongoing transformation efforts. It's all too tempting to push the transformation project to the back burner for a few days or weeks, under the guise of addressing more pressing matters. But as days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, the original initiative loses steam and eventually fades into oblivion (ComputerWeekly.com).

But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way.

There is a proven way to keep the momentum strong, just like it was at the kickoff. However, it requires the organization to be open to an outsider's perspective—a fresh set of eyes and ears with no vested interests or internal biases. This individual, typically an experienced project manager from an external consulting firm, can serve as the catalyst for change, driving the project forward with laser focus and unwavering dedication.

The key to success lies in trusting that this external project manager will hold everyone involved— from the highest levels of leadership to the most junior employees—accountable for their roles in the transformation journey. Their sole priority is to ensure the success of your business transformation, keeping the team aligned and focused on the end goal.

Engaging a third party means having a project manager who isn't beholden to any one person, department, or process within the organization. They bring with them a level of objectivity that is critical for navigating the complexities of transformation. Moreover, they come armed with a wealth of experience in executing similar projects and are adept at steering through the rough waters that inevitably arise along the way. Perhaps most importantly, their singular focus on project success means they'll keep your team on track, even when the going gets tough.

When you engage with a consulting organization, they'll assign a dedicated project manager whose primary responsibility is to keep your transformation efforts on track. transformation is messy by nature, involving myriad moving parts and stakeholders with competing interests. The project manager's role is to cut through the noise and provide the clarity and direction needed to achieve your transformation goals.

This often requires them to present hard truths and make tough decisions that may ruffle feathers along the way. Whether it involves implementing a new ERP system, overhauling existing processes, or restructuring teams, achieving the goals of agility and sustainability demands a level of analysis that is deep, honest, and objective. This can be a tall order, particularly when it comes from someone within the organization who may have personal or professional ties to those affected by the changes.

An external project manager, however, can often deliver these truths in a manner that avoids personal implications, thus helping to maintain project focus and avoid distractions from potential internal tensions. Their impartiality and outside perspective can be invaluable in steering the project toward success, ensuring that it stays on course even in the face of adversity.

The importance of "objectivity" and "focus" from a third party in transformation initiatives cannot be overstated. Many major initiatives lose momentum and ultimately fail due to shifting priorities within the organization, diverting attention from ongoing transformation efforts. However, by engaging an impartial third party, such as an independent consultant or external project manager, companies can mitigate these challenges and maintain momentum throughout the transformation process.

These professionals offer a fresh perspective and unbiased approach critical for navigating the complexities of a business or digital transformation. With their experience and singular focus on project success, they ensure that the team remains aligned and on track, even when faced with obstacles. By entrusting the transformation process to an objective third party, companies can increase their chances of success and achieve their goals of agility and sustainability in a dynamic business environment.

The role of the third-party project manager is multifaceted. Not only do they provide valuable insights and guidance, but they also act as a mediator between various stakeholders, ensuring that everyone's needs and concerns are addressed. Additionally, their impartiality allows them to make tough decisions and present hard truths without fear of internal biases clouding their judgment. This helps maintain project focus and prevent distractions from internal tensions or conflicts of interest.

Furthermore, external project managers bring a wealth of experience from previous transformation projects, allowing them to anticipate challenges and proactively address them. They are well-versed in navigating the rough waters that inevitably arise during the transformation journey, providing invaluable support and guidance every step of the way. Ultimately, by leveraging the expertise and objectivity of a third-party project manager, companies can overcome obstacles, stay on course, and achieve their transformation objectives with greater efficiency and success.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in July 2016 but has been completely re-written, updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness, and re-published as of March 2024.