July 26, 2024
By Annabel Hooton
We recently hosted an insightful dinner event tailored specifically for Senior HR Leaders. Led by Annabel Hooton, Director and HR Practice Lead, the event provided a unique platform for like-minded peers to delve into the nuances of digital transformation and organisational design.
The evening's keynote speaker, Rupert Brown, Chief People Officer with 25 years of international Board experience, shared his profound expertise in managing complex digital transformations. Drawing from his extensive background, which includes his former role as People Director (Digital) at Virgin Media O2, as well as various large corporates and scale-up PE-backed businesses, Rupert captivated the audience with his insights on overcoming the challenges of digital change.
The dinner event aimed to explore the barriers hindering digital transformation efforts and provided innovative approaches to enhance the implementation and experience of change. The discussions focused on questioning the norms and uncovering actionable insights to overcome organisational cynicism. Attendees engaged in meaningful dialogues, sharing real-life examples and progressive solutions.
Cultivating Curiosity and Cohesion: One of the significant themes that emerged was the lack of curiosity within organisations. Participants noted a pervasive issue of individuals remaining in their comfort zones, stifling innovation and hindering progress. Encouraging a culture of curiosity is essential for driving transformation.
Another related challenge identified was the lack of a common language and cohesion. This often results in disjointed efforts and lost opportunities in bids and tenders. Building a unified communication strategy is crucial for cohesive transformation and ensuring that teams show up 'as one' in critical business scenarios.
Effective Change Management: A recurring topic was the inclusive creation phase of change initiatives. Discussions highlighted the importance of consistency in involving all stakeholders from the onset to ensure a collective approach and smoother implementation. Participants also emphasised the need for selling the 'how' of change. While the 'why' of change is often well-communicated, the 'how' tends to be overlooked, however clear strategies and transparent processes for implementation are vital.
Building Trust and Embracing Constant Change: Building trust was underscored as a foundational element for successful transformation. If trust is established, it becomes easier to take employees along on the journey of change, regardless of the magnitude. The group acknowledged that change is inevitable and constant. Managing the extent and impact of change effectively was seen as a crucial aspect of transformation leadership.
Broader Perspectives and Emotional Engagement: There was a call for openness to broader perspectives on tech transformations beyond sector-specific technologies. Embracing diverse ideas can lead to more innovative solutions. Emotional availability in transformation efforts was another key discussion point. Balancing bravery, control, and honesty in emotional engagement can significantly enhance the transformation process. Engaging emotionally with colleagues fosters a more honest and connected work environment.
Leadership and Likeability: The conversation took an interesting turn towards the importance of likeability in leadership. Experiences of working under unlikable leaders often lead to sabotage, highlighting the need for leaders to foster positive relationships. The discussion revealed rich stories and insights into the impact of likeability on team dynamics and organisational success.
Conclusion:
The dinner event concluded with a sense of camaraderie and a wealth of actionable insights. Rupert Brown's expertise, combined with the diverse experiences of the attendees, made for a thought-provoking and enriching evening. As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the event underscored the importance of curiosity, cohesive communication, trust, and emotional engagement in driving successful digital transformations.
By embracing these principles, Senior HR and Transformation Leaders can reimagine and lead change efforts that are not only effective but also deeply resonant with their organisational culture and values.