"Change is the only constant," they say, and in the world of technology, it's more than just a cliché — it's a way of life. Getting good at change in the face of relentless transformation is not optional, it’s sink or swim, and the only way to stay afloat is to adapt, and adapt quickly.
But here's the catch: change is not just about adopting new technologies, it's about changing behaviors, both at an individual and an organizational level. It's about unlearning old habits and embracing new paradigms.
So how can tech leaders like you effectively manage change? Enter the concept of the frictionless enterprise. This powerful notion teaches us how to absorb change without rigidity, making it a driving force for innovation, not just a painful adjustment.
The pace of change is staggering, and organizations often find themselves stuck, unable to keep up. They grapple with "last decade problems" in a world that's moved on. Take the example of Ford Lake, a once-necessary hydroelectric dam from 1932. Back then, it made perfect sense, but today, widespread power distribution is a solved problem, available as a service. Companies that fail to adapt to these paradigm shifts find themselves investing time and capital into outdated issues, squandering resources that could fuel innovation.
To navigate this maze of change, you must consider your business as a platform. It’s no different than when Ford began leveraging the power of railroads to distribute cars efficiently. In today’s world, this means focusing on taking out friction, automating processes, and providing self-service solutions.
The key here is to ensure your product teams can concentrate on innovation, not on battling administrative hurdles. Think about it: signing up for services like Apple TV or Gmail is as simple as providing an email and credit card information. Your teams should experience the same simplicity when accessing the services they need.
So, let's debunk the notion of failing fast in the enterprise, which, let's face it, often has little tolerance for failure. Instead, let's aim to "fail small." By building your technology landscape as a platform, you can make smaller, more manageable bets. This allows you to experiment, collect data, and pivot as needed, all without risking the company's future.
In today's dynamic market, we are at an inflection point. The tech landscape is changing, and those who can embrace change most effectively will be the ones to lead the charge. Just like previous market shifts have created opportunities for the likes of Google and Uber, it's time for tech leaders like you to make strategic bets and capture the true value of paradigm shifts.
Getting good at change allows you to be bold and run toward the storm. So, tech leaders, let's take the plunge, ride the wave, and thrive in the storm of change. Embrace it, adapt to it, and let it power your innovation.
In this rapidly evolving tech world of 2023, smooth and fast are the watchwords. And remember, the future is for those who dare to change.
For more information on how to shed the tech baggage, phase out friction, and create momentum at your organization, download the Frictionless Enterprise book today. The reality is, there will never be a good time for organizational change. Just start, and start now!