In a previous article, we discussed the notion of an Ideal IT Strategy. Since ‘perfection’ is obviously impossible in real life, the concept was proposed as a potentially useful tool for strategic optimization. In particular, the descriptions of the many (often competing) focus areas reflect the significant challenges in defining any IT Strategy, let alone an ‘optimal’ one. But, even if you WERE able to somehow craft the ideal strategic roadmap for your organization, you would still have a BIG problem! It is, in fact, the SAME problem that explains why most ‘digital transformation’ initiatives ultimately fail.
The fact is, you cannot possibly address continuously and rapidly changing needs with static, point-in-time plans and solutions.
Nearly all organizations today must face the reality that technology change is not only here to stay, but it will continue to accelerate, with no end in sight. The most successful will be those that can readily adapt to rapidly shifting conditions and recognize and quickly exploit emerging opportunities. Businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies alike can continue to procrastinate, resist, or even deny that constant change is necessary for survival. Or- they can accept, accommodate, and even actively embrace the need for continual evolution- not just in terms of technology, but also in the broader context of the organization as a whole. This is the essence of what we would call a Dynamic Organization.
The actual origins of the term ‘dynamic organization’ date back at least thirty years, and probably more. In the simplest view, few if any organizations are truly ‘static’, in the sense of not changing at all, and so all are at least somewhat dynamic. Perhaps it is better to distinguish between highly dynamic organizations and those that are only slightly so. But, for our purpose of divining what drives the most successful ventures, we would choose a richer and more inclusive definition- one that encompasses business agility, nimbleness, responsiveness, proactivity, and maybe even overall energy. Firms that consistently exhibit all or most of those dynamic traits are usually market leaders or even creators, or are well on their way to being one.
Much of the effort of becoming a (more) Dynamic Organization necessarily rests with the leadership team, which must create the culture, refine the structures, set the expectations, and generally drive the types of behaviors needed to increase flexibility and agility across the enterprise.
According to Harvard Business Review, “Every business leader knows that their company needs to adapt in order to survive long-term. However, the real issue is not successfully transforming your organization on a one-time basis — it is writing the ability to adapt and transform into the company’s DNA. It’s developing a mechanism or reflex for dealing with whatever crisis comes along, be it financial, technological, environmental, or health-related.”
Easier said than done, of course. But fortunately, the people-based efforts can be dramatically aided and enhanced by the application of the right tools, which is where Cloud Solutions comes in. Current cloud products suites and platform services can unlock and drive new ways of communicating, collaborating, and producing across and throughout the organization. At the same time, they can ease some of the burdens on IT of managing the environment, they can provide enhanced protection from cyber threats, and they can potentially even reduce costs! Organizations that properly leverage the many capabilities and opportunities that cloud solutions offer can dramatically improve their ability to align, adapt, innovate, and dominate.
While there are clearly many benefits to the cloud, a lot of firms are facing similar obstacles to realizing all the potential value. In fact, the top three most common challenges cited were governance, security, and lack of skills, which are all shared by over 75% of organizations in the midmarket. The most successful firms are overcoming such hurdles and are leveraging modern cloud platforms to become more dynamic, nimble, and competitive in today’s world.
If you are among those who recognize the value of the cloud but are struggling with the why, what, or how, we can help! For more info, check out https://divihn.com/cloud-solutions/.
