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You cannot overestimate the power and importance of leadership in a transformational effort. That leadership begins with a vision, but just as importantly extends into the initial planning process.

An IT executive who lays out a vision, but then simply hands off the program will often fail to realize all that they intended. It is during the preparation process that the tone is set and the importance of the initiative is most clearly communicated to IT management - through the commitment of time and energy.

Are You Ready to go?

Most games are won or lost long before the team steps onto the field. The preparation, the discipline in training and the commitment and trust of the team members in one another are normally what separates success from failure. This is just as true with a transformational effort. From a leader's perspective, the beginning is the most critical time. This is not the time to "shoot from the hip." You must be prepared to commit to this journey and visibly communicate to your team that you will be there to back them through the ups and downs that inevitable accompany a transformational effort.

Your Program Preparation Checklist

To successfully execute a transformational program, you need to make sure that you are prepared for the launch. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have a clear vision of what I am trying to achieve with this transformation program?
• Can I tie that vision to clear, business objectives?
• Can I translate that vision into measurable outcomes that my team and I can be held accountable to?
• Am I prepared to make the personal, political and capital investments necessary to make this program a success?
• Am I prepared to trust my team and to give them the freedom to take the risks necessary in order to achieve spectacular results?
• Am I ready to let go and have my vision become my team's vision?
• Do I have a clear understanding of the resistance and barriers that I may encounter as I try to change my organization and am I prepared to overcome them?

You must be able to answer yes to these questions before you begin. If you cannot, your transformational program simply will not transform your organization. You may achieve some specific tactical objectives, but you will not succeed in changing the attitudes and perceptions of your team.

Are you ready to go?