"Start small with quick successes" is a popular mantra in digital transformation. But all too easily, this can turn out to be the equivalent of a crash diet—initially promising fast results with little pain, but ultimately ending up in failure and frustration.
It’s easy to see why “start small with quick successes" sounds so appealing. It feels safe and practical, promising quick gains of momentum with little risk. After all, who doesn't love a quick victory? However, when it comes to digital transformation, this approach often misses the mark. Here’s why:
1️⃣ While small projects might address their immediate challenges, they often result in a disjointed patchwork that’s tough to integrate and scale.
2️⃣ When departments tackle isolated projects in the name of speed, it often strengthens silos instead of dismantling them—missing the chance to build a connected, data-driven organization.
3️⃣ Focusing too much on quick wins can distract from long-term goals. Without a clear vision, these small victories can often feel more like trend-chasing than paving the way for lasting change.
True digital transformation is not about rushing to the finish line, but building a solid foundation for long-term success. It demands a thoughtful, comprehensive strategy, the willingness to tackle tough systemic challenges and a commitment to sustainable, organization-wide change.
Sounds hard and like a lot of effort? That’s because it is. But like any worthwhile journey, the real gains come from facing the big challenges (in this case, legacy systems, entrenched work habits, and outdated processes). Otherwise, those early wins will fade quickly, leading your organization into a yo-yo cycle, slower and more confused than before.
So, let’s be real: If small changes are all you can manage right now, true digital transformation might not be for you. And that's okay if now is not the right time. But don't fall for the illusion that small changes will magically build transformative momentum—you don’t become a marathon runner by occasionally taking the stairs.