In a recent statement, Andreas Papadopoulos, a Workforce Transformation and Consultant at PwC Cyprus, highlighted the stark statistic that 70 percent of digital and business transformation initiatives fail. This figure points to an urgent need for organizations to strike a balance between future preparedness and current operational maintenance to ensure successful transformation.
Papadopoulos emphasized the importance of acknowledging that transformations will create ‘losers’ within an organization—individuals who must adapt or reposition themselves to remain relevant. He warned against ignoring this reality, labeling it as irresponsible leadership. Instead, he advised, “In practical terms, identify your ‘losers,’ plan their future paths, involve them, and upskill them to turn them into ‘winners.'”
Furthermore, Papadopoulos critiqued traditional leadership approaches as inadequate for the complexities of modern transformation. He stressed the need for empowering middle management to implement the vision with clarity and enable swift decision-making. A distant leadership approach can lead to middle management facing turbulence and a potential blame game when challenges arise.
Lastly, Papadopoulos pointed out the error in treating transformation as a mere destination. External factors such as digital advancements and global megatrends necessitate continuous reinvention. “There is a need to view business transformation as a continuous journey that constantly needs rethinking towards a viable tomorrow, rather than a destination you aim to reach,” he stated.
Organizations aiming for successful business transformation must recognize the reality of ‘losers,’ move beyond traditional leadership models, and view transformation as an ongoing journey. These insights from Papadopoulos serve as a guide for businesses navigating the treacherous path of transformation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
