Digital transformation initiatives, particularly those that include AI programs, can face significant hurdles, often stalling due to insufficient buy-in. As highlighted in APQC’s 2025 Supply Chain Priorities and Challenges: Cross-Industry Report, the primary challenge is not technological, but rather a lack of cross-functional collaboration. In other words, transformation isn’t just about technology — it’s about people.
Change is hard for most people, and concerns rooted in perception can create resistance. Many employees haven’t participated in digital transformation efforts, but they’ve likely heard about them — often in the context of job loss. This is a legitimate concern that must be addressed head-on.
Proactively mitigating concerns is essential, but it's equally important to remain open to feedback and address issues as they arise. When people express concerns about new initiatives, it's important to pause, listen without interruption, and genuinely understand their perspectives before responding. This approach not only helps in addressing immediate concerns but also provides valuable insights for improving future initiatives.
So, how can you build trust, foster engagement, and reduce friction while implementing a new initiative? Here are some best practices that can help you drive buy-in for AI and digital transformation before, during, and after the transition period:
Establishing a strategic plan before embarking on digital transformation is essential to align objectives and engage employees in a way that drives both organizational success and workforce confidence.
Keeping stakeholders actively involved ensures alignment and trust are maintained throughout the transition.
The work doesn’t end when the transition is “complete.” Digital transformation should be an ongoing process in which you evaluate outcomes, share learnings, and build on the progress made.
Digital transformation is not a one-time project but a continuous journey where collaboration, open communication, and celebrating progress are essential. By prioritizing people and fostering trust, you can turn adoption challenges into lasting opportunities for growth and innovation.