Who are digital change agents? How do they help the organisation in digital Exposure?

Digital transformation is more than just a buzzword. Organizations are adopting digital practices and are investing heavily in new innovations and technology. How do companies modernize? It is mostly through digital change agents who are early adopters of digital trends and want to help their companies to modernize. These digital change agents start as digital advocates and over time, transform into experienced business transformers. They recognize the importance of digital transformation and want to help their organizations adapt to change.

Digital transformation is however a humongous process at an enterprise level and requires a lot of experience and authority to implement which a digital change agent may lack.  But a determined change agent can step outside their role and get other players to support with the process.

The biggest challenge that digital innovators face is the resistance to change and the organizational culture. Any attempt to bring in change is always met with resistance by people. A digital change agent may be passionate about new technology, be self-driven and self-empowered but they quickly realise that it is just not enough to have these qualities alone. Cultural aspects play a big role in bringing about meaningful digital transformation.

Role of a digital change agent

Digital change agents bring new thinking, expertise, and experience to bring about digital transformation in their organizations. They have to be the bridges that connect the A-team and the other stakeholders and bring about digital innovations. Digital change agents will quickly realize that they do not have expertise in managing change. To do this effectively, they have to learn and adopt new ways of working and spark the transformation.

Where do digital change agents come from?

Digital change agents can come from anywhere in an organization. Sometimes they are from IT or even from marketing or customer service. Digital change agents are not born leaders. Some have leadership abilities and some become change agents reluctantly. Their passion lies in technology and innovation and they are not skilled in leading change in an organization.

Digital change agents can arise from the grassroots of the organization as well. In such cases however, they may not receive support from the leadership team who are unaware of their efforts to help with digital transformation. Alternatively, if these digital change agents are appointed with executive authority, then they can drive change in their domain of influence.

Types of digital agents

Digital change agents come with different skillsets, goals, abilities and experience. They do not follow a linear path; however, they could have some or many of the following traits.

1. Digital/innovation advocates: Since these change agents are passionate about digital innovations, they talk about it and actively spread the word within the organization. With no expertise in change management, they push through their efforts to bring about digital transformation.
2. Digital executives: These individuals are tasked with bringing about change within a business unit or group. They are adept at doing something within the sphere of their influence. However, they lack the skills and experience to do this across the organization and bring about digital transformation across the board.
3. Aspiring leaders: These digital change agents quickly realize that in order that their expertise in beneficial to the organization, they must become better at managing relationships and collaborate with others. They embrace change management initiatives and leverage them to implement their digital innovation efforts.
4. Experienced digital transformers: A leader who is already well-versed with the facets of change management and bring the right people together to forward the agenda of digital transformation. Such a person can easily help teams collaborate and manage the digital transformation very efficiently.

Role of a digital change agent

A successful digital change agent must deal with change management but importantly, they must be agile, communicate well and collaborate with other. So, what are the typical roles that a digital change agent plays within an organization?

1. Data gatherer and storyteller: To be able to collect data and translate the insights to others within the organization, a change agent must become a storyteller. This is very important because they understand the importance of the change but have to communicate it sell to the others.
2. Influencer and case maker: People in organizations are resistant to change and innovation. Added to this, organizations are risk-averse. It is the role of the digital change maker to provide evidence and convince people to change. They sometimes have to create a sense of urgency and impress upon people the need for transformation.
3. Relationship builder: Not everyone is ready and “On-board” when change is required. A digital change agent must network and convince people for the need to transform. Some people may be sceptical towards the change because they are not digitally savvy. The change agent must listen to them and convey to these people that things will not be very difficult.
4. Champion: Digital change agents must act like champions who can walk the organization and inspire change and urge people to work towards digital transformation. To do this, they must be highly focussed and inspired themselves.

Summary

Innovation and disruption are the name of the game in today’s world of business. Digital change agents have a crucial role in helping their organizations take the path of digital transformation. They must challenge status quo, champion new ideas, instil curiosity and tackle problems. Many digital change agents start out without any idea of becoming one but what drives them onward is their passion for digital transformation and innovation. They thrive in bringing about change in their organizations.