Business Issue

The global IT function of a Fortune 500 precision glass company embarked on a multi-year transformation aimed at reducing overall IT spending while enhancing value and return on investment. This transformation required a fundamental shift in strategy, operating model and the type and number of talents needed to deliver on its strategy. Driving this cale of change required the global leadership team’s full understanding and alignment on the need for change, the new strategy and operating model, and their implications for the workforce. Ensuring this change was successful also required identifying and equipping leadership to effectively lead and manage the transition.

Approach

To tackle these challenges, we implemented the following approach:

1. Rethinking Communication Strategies: Leadership abandoned traditional top-down management talks in favor of interactive dialogues. These dialogues aimed to foster alignment and equip leaders across global geographies with a unified understanding of transformational goals.
2. Interactive Engagement: Instead of passive presentations, the focus shifted to creating opportunities for interactive discussions. This approach aimed to ensure leaders at all levels could actively participate in shaping and implementing the transformation agenda.
3. Empowerment Through Training: Key leaders underwent specialized change management training. The training focused on enhancing their skills in communicating change, building workforce commitment, and effectively managing transformational efforts.
4. Coordination of Change Agents: Leaders were empowered to act as change agents within their respective teams and regions. This coordinated effort ensured consistent messaging and alignment with the overarching strategic goals of the IT transformation.

Business Impact

The strategic initiatives we implemented yielded substantial results:

• Cost Reduction: Achieved a $100 million annual reduction in IT spending.
• Operational Continuity: Ensured no service interruptions or degradation in service levels throughout the transformation process.

Through strategic alignment, effective communication, and robust leadership development, we helped the precision glass company’s IT transformation not only achieve significant cost savings but also strengthen its organizational resilience and agility.