Nicolaus Copernicus is often hailed as the pioneer of modern astronomy due to his groundbreaking assertion that the Earth orbits the sun. This was contrary to the established scientific thinking that believed the sun revolved around the Earth. Unfortunately, Copernicus passed away before his ideas could be published. Decades later, Galileo faced heresy charges and a life sentence for advocating Copernicus’s theories.

Copernicus said, “To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” In short, genuine knowledge is as much about knowing one’s limits as it is about being knowledgeable. This resonates with a similar challenge that often happens in a digital transformation (DX) where leaders conflate their team’s technical knowledge with the hands-on experience necessary for a successful implementation.

This misplaced trust in technical skills can lead to a disconnect between strategies on paper and the complex realities faced during implementation, leaving the project team floundering for direction when unexpected problems arise. This article examines why people think they have the expertise to do a digital transformation, when they often do not even understand what expertise is necessary.

Deconstructing Copernicus’s Quote in the Digital Context

Recognizing the differences in the strengths of a technical team and an experienced digital transformation consultant is pivotal for a successful digital transformation journey. The technical team’s prowess lies in their deep and specialized technical knowledge, tailored for addressing specific challenges and situations. On the other hand, the seasoned digital transformation consultant brings to the table a broad spectrum of experience, vital for making strategic IT decisions that have far-reaching implications for the future. These two facets complement each other harmoniously.

It is imperative to acknowledge the boundaries of your team’s expertise. Overconfidence in their technical cleverness or skill can be perilous. While they may exhibit exceptional competence within their technical domains, it is essential to recognize that technical proficiency alone does not equate to expertise in digital transformation.

Imagine a scenario where you are absolutely certain about what your team knows. You may feel confident that your grasp of technology is unassailable. Yet, there are instances when such unwavering confidence in your knowledge can lead you to overlook the areas where you lack understanding. It’s akin to a college student believing they’ve finished a test, only to discover that the page was double-sided. In the world of digital transformation, this concept holds true as well.

In essence, it’s not just about what you know, but also about recognizing what you don’t know. This perspective aligns with the wisdom of Copernicus, who emphasized the importance of acknowledging our gaps in knowledge.

The Role of Experience in Effective Transformation

Digital transformations are full of surprises and challenges that are impossible to predict on paper. Having experience with DX in these unplanned circumstances can make the difference between a successful implementation and millions of dollars wasted on a failed project. Digital transformation experts have fine-tuned strategies through experiencing successes and failures alike. Where companies only undertake a digital transformation once every few years, DX consultants will go through multiple projects in a single year. They know what works and what does not because they have tested ideas through trial and error to create reliable, predictable plans that stand up to the real world.

For example, Victoria Fide Consulting uses the combined experience of our entire leadership team and beyond to inform our Process for Transformational Change. This proven process provides a framework for our clients to experience predictability, quality, and success in every transformational technology initiative.

A significant aspect of DX experience is entirely unrelated to technology; rather, it pertains to the human aspect of change. Organizational Change Management (OCM) is a crucial piece of the transformational puzzle, and one that requires an immense amount of experience to be able to execute well. Having a DX consultant experienced with OCM and human behavior can increase user adoption, oversee personnel training, and facilitate communication across teams throughout the entire lifecycle of the transformation, improving the odds of long-term success.

Uniting Intelligence and Experience for Success

If you want your digital transformation initiative to succeed, you need to build a formidable team. This goes beyond choosing the smartest team members. While your team may include members of great intelligence and technical knowledge, it is important to ensure you also have the right expertise in digital transformation.

To build an effective team, it is necessary to assess everyone’s strengths and identify potential gaps that need filling. This might require providing opportunities for upskilling or acquiring more team members. Finally, partnering with consultants who specialize in digital transformation can help guide your team on the path to success. By leveraging the talents and skills on your team in combination with the expertise of DX consultants, you can make the best of both worlds and have confidence that your project will overcome any obstacles that may arise.

10 Tips for Choosing the Right DX Consultant

When it comes to making substantial changes in the digital world, it is important to have the right guidance. Embarking on a digital transformation journey requires the expertise of a digital transformation consultant in conjunction with the technical skills of your team.

These experts can provide the right knowledge and experience to lead your team towards success. But how do you choose the right consultant? This checklist will help you evaluate whether a digital transformation consulting company is the right fit for boosting your technical knowledge and achieving a successful outcome.

1. Expertise and Experience

Look for consultants who have a record of accomplishment of successfully guiding companies through digital transformations. Experience matters – consultants who have faced challenges and overcome them can offer valuable insights and strategies.

2. Understanding Your Industry

Every industry has its own unique challenges and requirements. Choose a consultant who has worked in your industry or a similar one before. They will understand the specific needs of your business better.

3. Tailored Solutions

A good consultant does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. They should take the time to understand your company’s goals, challenges, and existing systems. The solutions they propose should be customized to fit your specific needs.

4. Collaboration and Communication

Effective communication is key in any successful partnership. Choose a consultant who is willing to listen to your team’s ideas and concerns. They should be able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that everyone can understand.

5. Problem-Solving Skills

Digital transformations can be bumpy rides with unexpected hurdles. A great consultant is a problem-solver who can think on their own feet and find solutions when challenges arise.

6. Change Management Expertise

Digital transformations involve changes not only in technology but also in the way your team works. Look for a consultant who can guide you through the process of managing these changes and ensuring a smooth transition.

7. Client Testimonials

Check for reviews and testimonials from other companies that have worked with the consultant. Their experiences can give you insights into how the consultant operates and the results they deliver.

8. Innovative Thinking

Technology is constantly evolving, and the right consultant should have their finger on the pulse of the latest trends and innovations. They should be able to suggest innovative solutions that can give your company a competitive edge.

9. Training and Knowledge Transfer

A good consultant does not just come in, implement changes, and leave. They should be willing to train your team and transfer their knowledge so that your company can continue to thrive even after their involvement.

10. Alignment with Company Values

Choose a consultant whose values align with your company’s culture and mission. This will ensure a smoother working relationship and better collaboration.

Is your digital transformation initiative struggling?

Let us get your project back on track.

Take control of your project’s success today and schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Tory Bjorklund, the founder and CEO of Victoria Fide. With our expertise in successful digital transformations, we can save you valuable time and money while reaching your business objectives. Find the answers you seek by taking this crucial step toward a successful DX initiative.

Embracing the Wisdom of Copernicus in Digital Transformation

Journey through the world of digital transformation, just like Copernicus explored the skies. Technical expertise is valuable, but it is just one part of a complete solution. Copernicus said that true knowledge is when you realize what you do not know. Making digital changes is not only about having smart ideas; it is about using experience to guide you through unknown twists.

When you bring technical knowledge and experience together, your chances for success increase exponentially. You can build the future using what you know while leveraging the experience of others. Just like Copernicus changed how we see the universe, you can change how your company works in the digital world. By embracing both intelligence and experience, you will unlock true knowledge and reach your goals.