Leading Change in the Digital Era: How IT is Driving Digital at Avery Dennison

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Leading Change in the Digital Era: How IT is Driving Digital at Avery Dennison

August 12, 2024

Nick Colisto

Sr. Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Corporate

LinkedIn Profile

Leading Change in the Digital Era: How IT is Driving Digital at Avery Dennison

In today’s fast-paced tech world, digital transformation and optimization aren't just important—they're essential. As Avery Dennison’s CIO, I see that staying ahead of technological changes is key to keeping our competitive edge and achieving profitable growth. At Avery Dennison, we define Leading Change as being proactive, inspiring, and making transformation a core part of our culture. Here’s how our IT team is making this happen.

Spotting the Need for Change Early

Being ahead of the curve in digital transformation isn’t just a smart move—it’s a must. Our IT team is always looking for new technologies and trends that could impact our industry. We identify potential disruptions and opportunities early on using advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning. This proactive approach helps us improve our processes and products, keeping us ahead of the competition.

Making and Sustaining Change

Knowing we need to change is just the start; the real challenge is making it happen. At Avery Dennison, we don’t just plan change—we bring everyone on board. Our change management strategies ensure everyone understands the benefits and goals of our digital initiatives. This shared vision creates a sense of ownership and keeps everyone motivated throughout the transition.

Inspiring Change

Change leadership is all about inspiration, not mandates. At Avery Dennison, our IT leaders are natural change agents who inspire their peers. This influence is built on trust, expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By showing early wins and the benefits of our initiatives, we build confidence and enthusiasm, making everyone an active participant in our digital journey.

Balancing Impact and Goals

Effective change management is like walking a tightrope; it requires balancing short-term wins with long-term goals. Our IT team uses an agile approach, allowing us to improve and adapt quickly based on feedback. This flexibility reduces disruption and lets us celebrate small wins while keeping our eyes on the big picture.

Our leadership in digital transformation isn’t just about technology; it’s about people, processes, and always striving to improve.

Steps for Leading Change

Leading change involves a few key practices:

Foster a Culture of Learning: Encourage your team to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies and offer plenty of professional development opportunities. This equips them with the skills needed for change and creates a mindset that embraces transformation.
Communicate Clearly and Consistently: Make sure everyone understands the vision, reasons for the change, and its benefits. Regular updates and open communication build trust and keep everyone aligned
Involve the Team: Engage team members early, listen to their feedback, and make them feel like active participants. This involvement provides valuable insights and fosters a sense of ownership and commitment.

Making Change Part of Our Culture

Change must be part of our culture and mindset for it to stick. At Avery Dennison, we make continuous improvement a core value. Our IT team leads by example, showing that change is a constant journey toward excellence. Through ongoing training, open communication, and strong support, we foster a culture where innovation and adaptability are second nature.

Leading Major Change Initiatives

Given our expertise, it’s no surprise our IT team often leads major change initiatives at Avery Dennison. Our leadership in digital transformation isn’t just about technology; it’s about people, processes, and always striving to improve. By aligning technological advancements with the company’s strategic goals, we ensure every change initiative drives profitable growth and enhances our position in the industry.

Leading change in the digital era requires being proactive, inspiring, and making a sustained effort. At Avery Dennison, our IT team is at the forefront of this mission, driving digital transformation and optimization programs that lead to profitable growth. By staying ahead, conceptualizing and sustaining change, inspiring our peers, managing impact, embedding change into our culture, and leading major initiatives, we show what it means to be change leaders. Together, we’re not just adapting to the future—we’re shaping it.

By consistently striving to lead change and embedding this ethos into our culture, Avery Dennison continues to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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