Data Driven Business Transformation

Chapter 3Making the Change Happen

This stage in the transformation process is all about filling in the gaps, bearing in mind all the different parts we talked about in Chapter 2. It's great that you now know where you are and where you want to be but this chapter deals with the practicalities of how to improve your state. So, it is about knowing where you are going and how you intend to get there. The word ‘intend’ is really important here. It's great to have a direction, and even an optimum road map, but it doesn't account for any unexpected bumps in the road or shortcuts that you can only see when you happen upon them. We don't want you to get so tied up in following a process that you don't use your own intelligence and insight in order to know when to adjust course to accept a fairer wind. This stage helps you to understand the plans and strategies that you need to put in place to set up for success. But don't think that you have to follow them rigidly! If you have a great idea that wakes you up in the night after the plan has been agreed – don't forget about it, use it. At the very least address the idea and see whether the change is worth any disruption it might cause. Ensure that you are making your decisions consciously and not blindly following a plan that was probably a great idea when you came up with it but may not take into account each small deviation from the path.

Remember, proper planning prevents poor performance. Understanding the context is great, you have ...