Leading Digital
A detailed analysis of the experience of many "digital champions" in a broad range of industries, and a valuable basis for reflection on how to successfully manage the digital transformation in your own organization.
Author(s): George Westerman, Didier Bonnet, Andrew McAfee
Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
Date of publication: 2014
Manageris opinion
At last, a book that talks about digital transformation without restricting itself to Californian start-ups! On the contrary, this book is founded on a study of 391 companies in a broad range of industries, a diverse selection that is helpful in understanding the extent of digital’s impact.
The authors shed light on “digital champions,” meaning companies that have managed to truly capitalize on digital and demonstrate profitability ratios 26% higher on average than those of their competitors. These champions were able to take action on their internal processes or customer relationships, or design products and services that satisfy unmet needs. The first part of the book explores these drivers in depth. While everyone generally has access to the same tools, what sets the pioneers apart? Specifically, they didn’t concentrate first on the tools, but started with concrete problems, such as how to breathe new life into stagnant sales. Only then did they seek digital solutions to these problems.
Parts 2 and 3 concretely address the steps to engage a company around the required transformations. Articulating your digital vision to focus efforts, developing dedicated governance and encouraging broad employee participation are among the key success factors.
This rich and stimulating book constitutes an excellent starting point to launch thinking about digital with your teams and identify the first steps to take.
