10 Things Cool Runnings Can Teach Us About Digital Transformation
The popular movie about the Jamaican Bobsled contains some great lessons about teamwork and overcoming challenges
"Cool Runnings" is a movie based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team's debut in the Winter Olympics.
There are various themes and lessons in the movie that can be transferred to the world of Digital Transformation...
Believing in Your Vision
Despite the skepticism they faced, the Jamaican team was fuelled by a clear vision and unwavering belief in themselves. Digital leaders need a clear vision for their transformation efforts and the confidence to see it through in the face of challenges.
Valuing a Good Coach/Mentor
The guidance of their coach was instrumental for the Jamaican team's journey. Similarly, having experienced consultants, mentors, or industry peers can guide teams through the complexities of a transformation, ensuring they are on the right track.
Starting from Scratch
The Jamaican bobsled team started from zero, having no prior experience or infrastructure. Similarly, many organisations may not have transformation experience. The message? It's okay to start from scratch; what's important is to start.
Community Support
The fundraising scene in the movie, where the community comes together to support the team, underscores the importance of a supportive ecosystem. For an organisation, this could translate to seeking partnerships or joining industry consortiums to achieve digital goals.
Importance of Adaptation
The Jamaican team had to learn, adapt, and overcome a multitude of challenges, from the cold weather to unfamiliar equipment. In the same vein, transformation teams should be ready to adapt their strategies, tweak their approaches, and be resilient in the face of technological challenges.
Embracing the Unfamiliar
Just as the Jamaican team ventured into the world of bobsledding - a sport alien to their tropical homeland - organisations often tread unfamiliar territory in digital transformation. Having the courage to dive into new technological solutions can lead to new opportunities and advantages.
Celebrating Small Wins
Throughout the movie, there were moments of celebration for small milestones achieved. Organisations undergoing digital transformation should also take the time to acknowledge and celebrate small victories, as they keep morale high and teams motivated.
The Power of Teamwork
The bobsled team's success was not just about individual talent, but about working together cohesively. Digital transformation is rarely a one-person job; it requires cross-functional collaboration, where IT, business units, and other departments work together seamlessly.
Not Listening to Naysayers
Throughout the film, the team encountered many who doubted them. In any transformation, there will always be skeptics. Instead of dismissing them, it's valuable to understand their concerns and address valid points, while staying committed to your vision.
Having a Long-Term Vision
While the team's immediate goal was the Winter Olympics, their participation paved the way for future Jamaican bobsled teams. Organisations should view digital transformation not just as a short-term project, but as laying the foundation for long-term digital maturity and future opportunities.
BONUS - You Have to Do It to Understand
The team trained at home in Jamaica, but they soon realised that the only way to learn to run on ice is to run on ice! Undertaking a Digital Transformation project is often a completely new experience for many people on the team. With support, and by working together, you can make magic happen.
Dom, I have made a few annotations using the online digital annotation tool, Hypothes.is. Here is the link to the page with the annotations: https://hyp.is/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdomgoucher.substack.com%2Fp%2F10-things-cool-runnings-can-teach&group=__world__
If you want an ad hoc tutorial, let me know. I don't know a lot, but I can share what I do know.