In this last post of our SMART Start series, we will continue to decode the SMART framework by focusing on the “T” — Target Transparency. Remember our story about Ned? It seems like Ned’s team had their playbook from the past and tried to reuse it on new software. The problem is, they were playing a completely different game. 

Target Transparency means having clarity about the end destination, so you don’t end up on a detour.

Guiding Principles: Your North Star

Think of guiding principles as your GPS. For Ned’s team, embracing core functionality should have been their North Star — staying upgradable, maintainable, and sustainable. Without this, they were navigating without a map.

The following strategies can help you and your team establish Target Transparency: 

  1. Constant Reminders: Every time you come together, restate your goals and guiding principles. It may seem excessive, but that is how you keep everyone on the same page, navigating from the same map.
  2. Avoid Over Customization: It’s an easy trap to fall into but over-customizing your new software to fit old habits is a sure-fire way to avoid realizing a good return on your software investment. Instead seek to understand the core features of the software and map it to what you are trying to achieve for the future state process. It’s not about copying your old process and pasting it on new technology. Often those old processes were built to work around legacy system constraints that will be irrelevant in your future state. For the best results, adapt your processes and habits to the new technology. 
  3. Shared Understanding: Co-Create Your Map. Crafting a roadmap together means everyone knows the territory ahead. And when everyone’s part of map-making, they’re more likely to speak up when they spot a wrong turn.
  4. Build Trust: The Foundation of Success. When your team trusts each other, they call out the missteps. It’s not about blaming, but about keeping each other in check so the entire team can move forward.

As you lead transformative initiatives, remember Ned’s story. Take a moment to step back and align your team. It’s about preparing not just for the start but for navigating that inevitable ‘messy middle’ with transparency and trust.

The Wrap Up

Let’s revisit Ned and his journey of transformation. After navigating through significant changes and overcoming the challenges of a project gone awry, Ned’s story could have taken a negative turn. However, that wasn’t the case. With a renewed vision, Ned and his team took a different path, adopting SMART strategies with the determination of experienced individuals facing challenges.

S=Shared Understanding

M=Momentum

A=Adoption Strategies

R=Role Clarity

T=Target Transparency

And now? Ned’s journey serves as a source of inspiration for all going through digital transformation. His team, previously stuck in outdated practices, has embarked on a journey towards innovation, guided by readiness for what lies beyond – Phase Two.

Remember, Ned’s narrative emphasizes that transformation isn’t a hasty sprint or a reckless leap into unfamiliar territory. It’s about establishing the right direction from the beginning, using a compass calibrated by SMART strategies and a map shaped by the experiences of those who have traveled these roads before us.

As we conclude this story, let’s draw insights from Ned’s experiences. Transformation is not about rushing through challenges, nor is it about the high cost of slow progress. It’s about ‘starting SMART’ and ‘learning forward fast,’ steering with purpose and keeping our focus on the target.

Ned’s story is your story as well. It’s about emerging from setbacks to travel confidently into the digital era. It’s about navigating the ‘messy middle’ with foresight, learning from the journey, and, most importantly, ensuring your team and company not only survive but thrive in the evolving landscape of digital transformation.

Let’s make your digital transformation a success story. If your organization is navigating the messy middle of digital transformation and needs a SMART start or SMART re-start, TomorrowZone is here to help. Our approach focuses on the human side of innovation, guiding you through complex digital transformations with strategic roadmaps and advisory services tailored to your unique challenges. Contact TomorrowZone today, and let’s create a future where your organization not only meets but exceeds its digital ambitions.