How can leaders speed up transformations, cut consulting costs, and build transformation muscle?

In an era of rapid change, leaders face mounting pressure to accelerate transformations while managing costs and building internal capabilities. With global spending on digital transformation projected to reach $3.4 trillion by 2026, organizations are seeking innovative ways to drive change efficiently. How can leaders navigate this challenge?

To shed light on this critical question, we turn to Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, a world-renowned expert in project management and strategy implementation. As the author of the “Harvard Business Review Project Management Handbook” and former Chair of the Project Management Institute, Nieto-Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience in guiding organizations through successful transformations. Let’s explore his insights on how leaders can speed up transformations, cut consulting costs, and build lasting transformation muscle within their teams.

Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez

Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, a world-renowned expert in project management and strategy implementation, answers the question: How can leaders speed up transformations, cut consulting costs, and build transformation muscle?

Leaders can accelerate transformations, reduce consulting costs, and build internal transformation capabilities by focusing on three key areas. First, they should aim to complete transformations in half the time typically required. Second, organizations can drastically reduce consulting costs, potentially by up to 50%. As Nieto-Rodriguez states, “You can go for 50% for sure.” Third, and most importantly, companies must build their own internal transformation muscle.

To achieve these goals, leaders should prioritize developing in-house transformation capabilities rather than relying heavily on external consultants. Nieto-Rodriguez emphasizes that “transformation has become constant” and “what companies are missing is building that transformation muscle internally.” This approach not only cuts costs but also ensures organizations develop the skills necessary to adapt to ongoing change. By reducing dependence on consultants and empowering internal teams, companies can create a culture of continuous transformation and learning.

Nieto-Rodriguez warns that the current reliance on consulting firms, which has led to a $100 billion industry growth in just 10 years, often hinders organizations from developing their own transformation competencies. He advises leaders to take this issue seriously, stating, “You have to build your transformation muscle within your organization if you want to survive and thrive and strive in the next 10 to 20 years.”As we explore this critical topic further, additional expert perspectives will provide more insights into effective transformation strategies. The key takeaway for leaders is to invest in building internal transformation capabilities to drive faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable organizational change.