Building a Digital Future

CHAPTER 9What Does Post Go-LiveLook Like?

We all have a choice. We can create transformational action that will safeguard the living conditions for future generations. Or we can continue with our business as usual and fail.

—Greta Thunburg, Activist

Whether you agree or disagree with Greta Thunburg's view of the future she is correct; there is no more business as usual when you want transformation. However, you do need a stable platform to build from and this needs people who understand the day-to-day operations of your business.

Back in the late twentieth century, there were several business leaders who were lauded for being the turnaround kings of business. A man who personified this style of business management was “Red” Adair, who was an oil well trouble-shooter and firefighter of the period. The press loved him and he was instrumental in putting out some of the worst oil fires, including some in the second Gulf War. His style was very much to parachute in and solve apparently impossible problems with a flair and energy that was often copied by businesspeople at the time. He was clear on what he was not good at (or particularly interested in), which was the aftermath, the clean-up, and the getting back to normal. This is not seen as exciting or glamorous and you certainly are not going to be trending on Twitter over the consequences, but it is much more important to the company even than the project. What a waste the effort of all the people involved in the organization's ...