In a world where so many different types of technologies and methodologies are converging, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. When it comes to intelligent enterprise transformation, the objective is to change with the times, but that doesn’t mean change for the sake of change.
It’s about change for the sake of progress, of course, but more importantly it’s still all about solving complex business problems. Suffice to say, most company leaders understand their challenges and opportunities better than anyone else. The reality is they typically don’t know how to most effectively address either side of the spectrum.
That’s where partners like Zalaris enter the equation. We provide independent perspective and the advantage of understanding best practices across multiple industries and platforms. Design thinking begins with exploring what needs to be done and why – not just from an IT standpoint. In regard to HR design thinking, this point is extremely important.
1+1 = Ideal Outcomes
The melding of technology and processes should be seamless on any HR transformation journey. By starting with design thinking, you get to the heart of the issues and requirements while developing solutions that are both long term and squarely focused on what matters most to you, your people and the company’s future.
Design thinking takes into account how both processes and technologies are evolving to achieve the right overall outcomes. After completing the exploration phase with all relevant stakeholders, the actual design stage proceeds based on the ideas and desired end state. This is where prototypes and validation occur, followed by actual delivery. Testing, implementation and deployment complete the cycle.
What’s different about the cycle today, however, is that the cost of “missing” your targets can be catastrophic. Moving to the cloud, for example, can create more difficulties than it solves when done wrong. We’d also like to think that we can innovate with the flip of a switch someday. This wish is likely moving further away in the digital universe instead of getting closer.
Now more than ever, the call to action is design thinking.
Little Room for Error, Huge Opportunities
Back up. Know where you’re at and where you want to be. Planning and execution have little room for error. And if you don’t take into consideration how the tech world is evolving in parallel – or not – with fundamental process engineering and advancement relative to HR and other functions, your approach is immediately at a disadvantage. Too much is at stake if you fall behind before even getting started.
Labels of the future are already here today, from AI and machine learning to far more sophisticated analytics capabilities and the Internet of Things. All of these factors and more need to be part of your thinking today. Your design thinking.
Smart Design, Intelligent Enterprise
The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. Zalaris has decades of experience empowering its partners on the path to success. We will be there to support you every step of the way.
You also should not view the notion of design thinking as all that foreign. As outlined above, it’s not entirely new thinking. It’s in many ways a return to roots, pragmatism, solid planning and well-tested execution. Disruption without the disruption. Innovation that’s well-grounded in purpose, contributing to the overall intelligent enterprise direction.
Do you view your enterprise through the lens of design thinking? If not, now is the ideal time to open your eyes – and HR future – to this approach. We are ready to help you go from mere thinking to design thinking with a resolute purpose that will radically improve your people processes and performance!
