Related Posts
I have not written a post on here for quite some time. I plan to put together a content plan but to get me started I thought I would recycle some of my older LinkedIn posts, starting with the one I wrote on scuba diving and digital transformation.
The LinkedIn article was inspired by an article on the topic. As an avid scuba diver and having spent years working in digital transformation in pharma it resonated with me and for me the comparisons were clear.
Training and process
To start with you need to have the right training. You would never dive without some initial training to explain the basics of your BCD and how to breath through a regulator, for example. Similarly a successful digital transformation is dependent on people receiving the right training and being prepared in advance.
Part of your dive training includes the process you need to follow for a safe dive, and what to do if things go wrong. Part of digital transformation needs to include a change in process and people need to be trained and understand the new process. It is also a good idea to be prepared for things going wrong. If you, or your transformation, run out of air what do you need to do.
Equipment
Another thing you need is to have the right equipment and gear. If you do not have the right equipment for your dive it will be a no-go. Similarly if you do not have the right technology in place or lined up, you can only go so far with your digital transformation. If people are trained and start using the new process but the technology is not fit for purpose they will revert to how they used to do things. Then, instead of scuba diving you end up snorkeling.
People
One thing that makes scuba diving fun but also safer is being with the right people and having a good dive buddy. Your dive buddy is there to support you if anything goes wrong. They are also there at the end of the dive to share the excitement when it goes well. As you learn you also want to have a great dive master, who leads and teaches you, makes you feel safe, but also shows you things you might otherwise miss. A great dive master communicates well before, during and after the dive.
Similarly a key element to a successful digital transformation is having the right leadership, people and communication. Without strong leadership digital transformation will fail. People need to feel safe and supported. They need to have clear direction and know where they are going. The communication needs to be clear at the start, during and after. They also need to be able to share successes and learn from each other.
Unexpected surprises
No matter how well prepared you are for a dive there may be unexpected surprises. These can be great, for example seeing a pygmy seahorse or a shark. Surprises can also be terrible, like your o-ring blowing at 20metres (happened to me on my first dive!).
Digital transformation is no different. There are bound to be unexpected occurrences, and they may be good or bad. Implementation may go far better and quicker than expected and leave you ahead of your planned schedule. Or you may discover unexpected powerful blockers within the organisation who hamper the change.
The secret to success in both in these circumstances is being prepared and having the right mindset.
Calm
One of the key factors to dealing with unexpected surprises, is to remain calm. Being calm means you use less oxygen so can dive for longer (and admire those seahorses). Remaining calm when things go wrong also means you are more likely to survive. Being properly trained, having good equipment, a good dive buddy, and a great dive master helps you stay calm. If any of these elements are missing it can ruin the experience and even be fatal.
Digital transformation is the same. Without the right training, process, people and leadership it can be disastrous. Remaining calm in a crisis enables clearer thinking and increases the chances of identifying remedying actions.
So you see scuba diving and digital transformation actually have a great deal in common. Done right both can provide a great and impactful experience. Done badly and you may be left gasping for air and praying for rescue.
