Data change is broken, do we need to start again for success?
Data teams are confronting pressure to prepare for the future and the need for digital transformation. Everywhere you look you are faced with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), digitalisation, personalisation, the list goes on. To be successful, the magic ingredient is data. So why are data teams struggling to make an impact and prepare for the future?
My take on this is that we need to change our approach. Stop making small inroads through misaligned change and look at things with a future-focused whole-systems mindset.
Evolution isn’t working
We cannot continue to think about data change in a piecemeal way. We must stop thinking about projects and quick wins and take a longer-term whole-system thinking approach.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about major data transformation programmes. We know large-scale multi-year infrastructure projects have a history of failing to deliver desired outcomes and leading to ever-increasing costs. This is about having an eye on the future. Being clear about your longer-term goals and relentlessly focusing on getting there by delivering the right change quickly and well.
How can you adopt a different approach that is adaptable and future-ready?
Don’t let a lack of ambition hold you back – we need to let go of today's conventions and imagine the world tomorrow. How will people be living, communicating, and working and what role might data play? Think about all aspects of society as this will impact how we will work and what might be needed. Having a good view of where you might be heading helps to identify what level of change is needed.
Take a system thinking approach to identify change needs – this is about looking at the whole, rather than focusing on parts. It helps you to look at something from multiple perspectives, predict the consequences of change, eliminate silos, and remain focused on the big picture. Ultimately, empowering you to solve problems that stay solved. From this create your canvas for change. When you can visualise all elements of change you can develop a coherent roadmap that will guide you.
Adapt a start-up mentality – be clear about your purpose and goals and make change quickly and iteratively. Be fleet of foot and seize opportunities when they arise. Apply a continuous learning mentality; don’t be tied to legacy thinking, be open adaptable and inquisitive. It is important though, that your change is linked to the roadmap created through the system thinking approach.
Monitor, assess and pivot – this is about staying ahead of the game and ensuring you are focused on the right outcomes. Monitor and assess your longer-term goals, what has changed, where were you right or wrong and refresh to reflect current thinking. Continually assess what you are doing, and the value you are creating (either immediate or foundational). Don’t be afraid to stop things that are no longer appropriate, even if you have invested time and money into them. There is no value in throwing good money after bad.
Overhaul your funding and investment mechanisms - making these changes requires a shift in mindset around how we structure, fund and approach data change. Traditional funding cycles, approval, and monitoring must become flexible and adaptive if we are to make the level of change needed. Executive sponsorship is critical, and supporters must share the vision and understand new ways of working.
In summary, by taking a future-focused approach, you have the flexibility to determine the methods of working, technology, and skills necessary. This perspective allows you to see things with a fresh perspective and concentrate on what brings value instead of being reactive and trying to fit outdated approaches to tomorrow's challenges.
If you want your data to be future-ready, get in touch and we can discuss how I can help you.