I always know I’ve got my work cut out for me when a client asks when we’ll be finished with transformation. The truth is, “done” doesn’t exist. Sure, we’ll use validation metrics along the way, but transformation itself is a never-ending process when we’re dealing with living, breathing organizations that are in a constant state of optimization.

Adjusting, evolving and learning occurs over an indefinite amount of time, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look for indicators that progress is happening.

Here are the “big 3” signs that I always keep an eye out for to determine if the transformation is headed in the right direction:

1. Gains in team independence and confidence

Are your teams regularly running sprints, updating roadmaps, shipping software, and doing cyclical reviews and demos with stakeholders? This process doesn’t need to look perfect, but it’s a great sign when it's happening without a ton of handholding. And the more teams you have in the groove, the easier it is for them to rely on each other, gain efficiencies, and pull back on oversight from coaches and consultants. Plus, it means that the transformation team is freed up to kick off the next group. 

2. Stakeholders are leaning in

It’s important to recognize that most leaders are hesitant to lean in because biting off the next chunk of work requires more short term pains and learning curves. That said, if you’re seeing traction with point #1, buy-in should be easier. One way to set your transformation up for success is to be really intentional about which teams you chose to start on the process. Look for early wins by kicking off groups that have nowhere to go but up. Are they starting from scratch on a product, or is their dynamic a mess? That can actually be the perfect incubator for change because frustrated and dysfunctional teams can have more room for improvement and a higher willingness to start anew. Well-oiled teams staffed by your rockstars are going to take much longer to stop, teach and restart under a new system. Once you nab those early wins, stakeholders will see momentum and become hungry to feel those benefits elsewhere in the organization.

3. The echo chamber revs up

One of the ways you know you’re making progress is when you first hear people from different parts of the organization use the language of the transformation despite not being close to the process at all. It’s evidence that your message has spread beyond the first-ring circle. Not only that, it also means there’s a general curiosity about these new ideas even if there isn’t a shared understanding of what they mean yet. And where there’s curiosity, there’s a willingness to learn, and the more people who understand the values of the transformation, the more you’ll see peer-to-peer coaching occur.

I know transformation can feel like a never-ending process, and that’s because it is. But the wins along the way should fuel your journey. When we adjust how we evaluate the initiative, suddenly we’re able to validate that we’re heading in the right direction (or need to make some changes). These are important reminders for stakeholders, key constituents, and ourselves to keep at it!

Want more reading on this topic? Check out this article about the essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that actually matter and should absolutely be on your radar if you want to stay on track to achieve a successful and lasting digital transformation.