Getting Digital Innovation Right

Seems like every big corporation (especially the non-tech ones) finally understood that keeping to their old services and business model is not a good strategy in a world that's changing so fast. Most of them have either built internal "Digital" branches or have hired outside consultants/companies to help them build the next Amazon, Facebook, Uber or Google.

I should know this. I've been involved in a few projects of this type. But, as we know, good intentions and enthusiasm don't always yield the expected results.

As with many other fields and trends (agile, AI, big data, cloud computing...), what sounds good from a distance might not be as good from close up or might be difficult (almost impossible) to implement. Of course, this does not bother companies selling "Disruption as a Service" (billed by the hour/project or by the number of motivational speeches/buzzword uttered).

Changes are especially difficult when the entire organization is not so convinced that improvements or new ventures are required (everybody loves their comfort zone). This can translate in half-agile teams with an "agile coach" clowning around trying to make complacent people follow the "agile way". It might look like an innovative project lead by people that either don't have the skills+attitude to get things done or are just mimicking the "startup" way of leading projects without understanding what they're doing.

Another classic way in which traditional/established companies fail at re-inventing their ways is by asking too much from young projects. You start out by giving the new team a lot of freedom, but end up asking them to get to break-even ASAP.

Either way, in most cases, the company thinks it's getting one step closer to reinventing itself, but money just gets thrown out the window until all hope is lost and the entire project is shut down.

What can be done?

• set objective and realistic goals for your innovation projects
• think about working with 3rd party advisers (I have experience in this role and, lucky you ;), I am available for hire through https://universalabs.com/)
• avoid giving too much influence over the project to inside people (even if that sounds safer, they will most probably slow things down)
• in general, don't buy into the marketing/sales hype and avoid innovation/disruption dogma ("we'll reinvent your business in 6 months..")
• (bonus advice) encourage the new team to work from a different office than your HQ (preferably co-working spaces or cafes - they'll be more creative and motivated)

As with any other trend, digital innovation is very prone to becoming a snake oil market, but a few common-sense checkpoints (like the ones above, but the list can go on) might keep you on the good track.

I'd be happy to hear what your opinions/experiences are related to this subject.