While many aspects of life and business slowed down in 2020, digital transformation wasn’t one of them. The pandemic forced IT organizations to shrink timelines and accelerate change efforts in order to get workforces up and running remotely, as well as address related connectivity and security challenges. As the pandemic continued, IT leaders faced many questions about the future – from how to better position their business for the new digital normal, to how to maintain momentum post-pandemic, to how to set their teams up for success.

Thankfully, IT leaders in our Enterprisers Project community paid it forward by sharing lessons learned and sound advice for the future. As we rounded up our most popular digital transformation articles of 2020, we loved seeing the optimism and enthusiasm for innovation come through the community’s words.

“At the ground level across your organization, identify the better ways of working you see emerging. Engage with the teams you see driving positive changes, such as less perfectionism, faster automation, improved focus on employee experience, etc. Derive their lessons and create a platform allowing them to share their stories more broadly. As our ways of working and our workforces are being dramatically reshaped, learning from each other is our most powerful tool to transform our transformations,” wrote Melissa Swift, global solution leader, Digital Transformation Advisory, at Korn Ferry.

10 digital transformation must-reads

Keep reading to catch up on the most popular digital transformation advice we shared in 2020 for wisdom you can carry into the new year.

1. Digital transformation: What CIOs are accelerating during the pandemic

While many aspects of life remain on hold, many organizations are charging full steam ahead on digital transformation efforts – even giving some pieces a speed boost.

2. Digital transformation: 5 ways COVID-19 is forcing positive changes

The COVID-19 crisis is rapidly reshaping the “what” and “how” of digital transformation agendas – for the better. Look how organizations are improving amid dramatic disruption.

3. Digital transformation: 11 habits of successful teams

Say no to innovation theater. Quantify what success looks like. Encourage widespread agility. Consider these practices of teams beating digital transformation challenges.

4. Digital transformation storytelling tips: How to explain your work

You need to tell a good story to get people on board for the change that comes with digital transformation work – and to win respect for your team’s efforts. Consider these proven tips.

5. Digital transformation leaders’ secret: Dump traditional org charts

MIT digital transformation expert Jeanne Ross says your organizational chart should look more like a set of APIs. The interlocking components have greater autonomy and room to experiment.

6. How Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and digital transformation work together

How can robotic process automation help with digital transformation goals such as faster time to market? Consider these factors when crafting your RPA strategy.

7. Digital transformation strategy: 10 questions to ask about yours now

The most successful digital transformation strategies boil down to asking the right questions. Amid the pandemic, ask these about yours.

8. Digital transformation: 4 ways to plan for the post-pandemic normal

When the crisis eases, we will have entered a new digital normal. Your strategies need to reflect this shift: Consider these factors as you plan for the longer term.

9. Digital transformation: 3 hard truths

The path to successful digital transformation is far from straightforward, especially in the age of COVID-19. Consider these three often-overlooked realities, says Intel’s CIO.

10. 4 must-read digital transformation books for leaders

Successful digital transformation leaders focus on much more than technology. These books will broaden your understanding of the customer journey, global markets, and more.

[ Get exercises and approaches that make disparate teams stronger. Read the digital transformation ebook: Transformation Takes Practice. ]