From Buzzword to Building Block

Digital transformation has been identified as a new buzzword, but it encompasses a long-standing organizational issue. One of the critical elements of digital transformation is to successfully establish a cultural foundation so everyone in the organization has a common understanding of how they function during the transformation and after the change is realized.

Establishing common language is one of the core tasks for Change Management Professionals.  When time is spent upfront in developing common language, we see the payoff in the execution phase of the change. For many years I’ve taught workshops about creating and sustaining a positive workplace. Organizations love providing this session as a professional development day for staff and I’ve also shared this as a solution for organizations with negativity issues in the workplace. 

A big part of this professional and personal development is creating and sustaining language that is common and understood by everyone in the organization. When we communicate with one another through common and understood language, our communication is more successful. 

The goal of communication is to share the idea or image I have in my mind with you. Invest in your future by developing awareness of your communication style and learning how to communicate with others more effectively. Tools such as DiSC or the Meyers Briggs Index provide a starting point to assess and develop your communication skills.

Successful communication builds trust and is a building block for change and digital transformation. Change professionals who successfully communicate and build trust are able to guide stakeholders and end users through the change journey. 

Transforming an organization, through a restructuring, or digital transformation is simpler and faster with common and understood language to facilitate communication and experience the benefits of change.