Today is the first day of advent. The advent calendars have come out, been ironed, and their pockets stuffed with small chocolates and notes. The kids are delighted and the countdown intensifies. Advent is a period of waiting and anticipation of Christmas.

Waiting is not something I, or most of us, are good at doing. Digital transformation promises instant results. Advertising reinforces this message. The often long, slow, and hard work of organisational (and personal) change is not part of the narrative. Digital transformation will be results today and tomorrow. The process (and time) of building the solution or product is not part of the instantaneous narrative either. And therefore, expectations are set.

Advent can create space to wait, to anticipate. It can remind us waiting and anticipation does not have to be passive. We can act in the waiting. So much of the human side of digital transformation is about relationships, listening, and discussions. Advent can be a time of preparation for the hoped for event (or product launch, service, etc.).

Advent doesn’t need to only happen in December, but chocolate tends to always help.

What are you waiting for?

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo