How Technology Deployment is Like Running a Relay Race: Strategies for Successful Digital Transformation
What Does Technology Deployment Have in Common with a Relay Race?
In a relay race, individuals count on teammates to run their leg of the race and execute perfect transitions. Because of the critical importance of perfect baton handoffs, this differs from many events. To win the race, stakeholders need to prepare and practice together. Similarly for technology deployment, all stakeholders are essential in ensuring success with every step of the process. With the right preparedness and strategies in place, organizations can deploy technology effectively, efficiently, to quickly realize their digital transformation goals.
Step 1 - Understanding the Objective and Assembling Your Team
Assembling and preparing the right team for a digital transformation project is essential for success. It is important to clearly define roles and points of handoffs so that everyone involved in the project understands the overall objectives and their individual responsibilities. Project management tools can help you organize your team and ensure that tasks are completed on time. With the right team in place, you can move forward with confidence and ensure that your digital transformation project is successful.
Step 2 - Setting Clear Goals and Designing Effective Processes
The relay race is a powerful example of teamwork, where each team member works together to achieve a common goal. In a relay a runner starts running before the baton gets to them, and the teammate does not let go until they are sure the baton is firmly in grasp. This symbolizes the importance of preparation, trust and communication between team members to succeed. It also shows how each team member has an important role to play, even if they are not directly involved in the task at hand. By following this example, teams can learn how to trust and collaborate with one another for better results.
Step 3 - Keeping the Momentum Going by Being Great at the Handoffs
Handoffs are one of the most important aspects of any relay race and any technology deployment. In a relay this is a changeover zone allowing for some variability in the timing of the transition. Business technology deployments should plan for variability with tools like iterative planning and execution. With this approach, businesses can efficiently develop their digital infrastructure and adapt their operations to the changing market conditions.
Step 4 - Pushing Through to the Finish Line with Continuous Improvement
The key to success is a relay-style mentality: team members don’t celebrate when they finish their leg of the race, but instead, the team celebrates together when the goal is accomplished. This concept of collaboration and continuous improvement can be applied to any kind of team or project. By having a shared understanding of the end objective, teams can work together in an efficient manner to achieve success.
Conclusion – Winning Strategies for Successful Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is becoming more and more important for businesses to stay competitive and remain successful in today's digital world. To ensure the success of digital transformation projects, it is essential to choose the right partners and prepare all team members and stakeholders in advance. This preparation should include clear communication of the project goals, success strategies, and effective handoffs between teams. By taking these steps, teams will be able to exceed expectations and get exceptional results.
Contributed By Chris Lyons; Business Development & Implementation Advisor Nazar Systems
Chris has vast experience implementing large IT solutions. He has held varied roles at McDonald's from field operations officer to global ops/technology leader to head of global learning and development. He formed the Global Technology Board, consisting of IT and Operations leaders from each of McDonald's five global regions, to prioritize the demands of more than 100 countries. As CEO of a SaaS company, he developed strategies for growth, launched new products, grew sales, and leveraged learning and development activities to improve ease of use.