من أبرز المشكلات التي تواجه العديد من الشركات في مسار التحول الإلكتروني. يمكن تلخيص الأسباب الرئيسية لفشل التحول الإلكتروني في النقاط التالية:             1.         الفجوة بين التقنية والأهداف الاستراتيجية: كما ذكرت، إدارة التكنولوجيا غالبًا ما تركز على الجوانب التقنية (البنية التحتية، الأنظمة، البرمجيات)، بينما تركز إدارة الشركة على الأهداف الكبرى مثل زيادة الأرباح أو توسيع السوق. هذه الفجوة تؤدي إلى غياب رؤية مشتركة تربط التكنولوجيا بتحقيق أهداف الشركة.             2.         ضعف فهم الإجراءات الداخلية: عدم النظر في العمليات التشغيلية والإجراءات الحالية يجعل الشركات تُطبّق حلولاً تقنية لا تتناسب مع احتياجاتها الفعلية، مما يؤدي إلى تعقيد العمليات بدلاً من تحسينها.             3.         غياب الثقافة التنظيمية المناسبة: التحول الإلكتروني ليس مجرد شراء أنظمة جديدة، بل يتطلب تغييرًا في ثقافة المؤسسة بالكامل، بحيث يفهم جميع الموظفين أهمية التحول الإلكتروني وكيف يسهم في تحسين عملهم.             4.         التسرع دون تخطيط شامل: بعض الشركات تقفز نحو الحلول التقنية دون إجراء تحليل عميق أو وضع خارطة طريق واضحة تتضمن أهدافًا قابلة للقياس وخطوات تدريجية.             5.         ضعف القيادة المشتركة: إذا لم يكن هناك تعاون وثيق بين إدارة التكنولوجيا (CIO أو CTO) وإدارة الأعمال (CEO وCOO)، فإن التحول الإلكتروني يصبح مشروعًا معزولًا بدلاً من أن يكون جزءًا من استراتيجية الشركة. 1.         رفض التغيير والخوف من المخاطر: بعض الإدارات العليا تفضل الطرق التقليدية وتخشى الفشل أو المخاطر المرتبطة بالتكنولوجيا، مما يؤدي إلى تأخير أو تعطيل التحول الإلكتروني.             2.         اتخاذ قرارات غير مستنيرة: قد تعتمد الإدارة على رؤى غير مدروسة أو غير مستندة إلى تحليل واقعي، مثل اختيار أنظمة غير مناسبة أو تحديد أهداف غير واقعية.             3.         إهمال خبرات الفرق الداخلية: تجاهل مقترحات أو ملاحظات الفرق التشغيلية أو التقنية التي تكون أقرب إلى التحديات العملية على الأرض.             4.         المبالغة في السيطرة دون تفويض الصلاحيات: إصرار الإدارة العليا على التحكم بكل تفصيل دون تمكين مديري التقنية أو العمليات من اتخاذ قرارات سريعة، مما يؤدي إلى تعطيل التقدم.             5.         التركيز فقط على العوائد السريعة: إذا كان هدف الإدارة مقتصرًا على تحقيق عوائد مالية فورية من التحول الإلكتروني، فإن ذلك يُغفل الأهداف طويلة المدى كتحسين الكفاءة والابتكار. الحلول المقترحة:             •          تعيين وسيط أو فريق عمل متعدد التخصصات: يضم خبراء في التكنولوجيا وممثلين من كل إدارة لفهم احتياجات العمل وربطها بالحلول التقنية المناسبة.             •          تصميم العمليات أولاً: التركيز على إعادة هندسة العمليات التشغيلية (Business Process Reengineering) قبل إدخال التكنولوجيا لضمان انسجام الأنظمة مع الاحتياجات.             •          التدريب والتوعية: رفع وعي الموظفين بأهمية التحول الإلكتروني وتوفير التدريب اللازم لضمان قبولهم للتغييرات.             •          القياس التدريجي: تطبيق التغيير على مراحل، مع مراجعة النتائج وتعديل الاستراتيجيات بناءً على التعلم من الأخطاء.             1.         رفض التغيير والخوف من المخاطر: بعض الإدارات العليا تفضل الطرق التقليدية وتخشى الفشل أو المخاطر المرتبطة بالتكنولوجيا، مما يؤدي إلى تأخير أو تعطيل التحول الإلكتروني.             2.         اتخاذ قرارات غير مستنيرة: قد تعتمد الإدارة على رؤى غير مدروسة أو غير مستندة إلى تحليل واقعي، مثل اختيار أنظمة غير مناسبة أو تحديد أهداف غير واقعية.             3.         إهمال خبرات الفرق الداخلية: تجاهل مقترحات أو ملاحظات الفرق التشغيلية أو التقنية التي تكون أقرب إلى التحديات العملية على الأرض.             4.         المبالغة في السيطرة دون تفويض الصلاحيات: إصرار الإدارة العليا على التحكم بكل تفصيل دون تمكين مديري التقنية أو العمليات من اتخاذ قرارات سريعة، مما يؤدي إلى تعطيل التقدم.             5.         التركيز فقط على العوائد السريعة: إذا كان هدف الإدارة مقتصرًا على تحقيق عوائد مالية فورية من التحول الإلكتروني، فإن ذلك يُغفل الأهداف طويلة المدى كتحسين الكفاءة والابتكار.             •          التثقيف المستمر للإدارة العليا: تقديم دراسات حالة ناجحة وتحليل المخاطر والفوائد، مع شرح كيف يمكن للتحول الإلكتروني أن يعزز الأهداف الاستراتيجية للشركة.             •          إشراك الإدارة العليا مبكرًا: وضع الإدارة في قلب التخطيط من البداية لضمان تفهمها للتحديات والحلول.             •          إبراز العائد على الاستثمار (ROI): توضيح كيفية تحقيق التحول الإلكتروني فوائد ملموسة وقابلة للقياس على المدى القريب والبعيد.             •          تكوين تحالف داخلي: تعزيز التحول من خلال تحالف داخلي يشمل أصحاب القرار مع المديرين التنفيذيين وممثلين عن جميع الأقسام.             •          قيادة التغيير من الأعلى: ‎تعيين “راعي للتغيير” (Change Sponsor) من داخل الإدارة العليا ليكون مسؤولًا عن التغيير، مما يخلق نموذجًا يُحتذى به ويضمن الالتزام من بقية المستويات الإدارية زينب محمد، الرئيسة التنفيذية الحائزة على جوائز، رائدة أعمال، معتمدة في إدارة المشاريع الاستراتيجية، كاتبة ملهمة، فنانة مبدعة

One of the main challenges many companies face during the journey of digital transformation can be summarized in the following key reasons for failure: 1. The Gap Between Technology and Strategic Goals As mentioned, technology management often focuses on technical aspects (infrastructure, systems, software), while company management focuses on broader objectives like increasing profits or expanding the market. This gap leads to the absence of a shared vision that links technology to achieving the company’s goals. 2. Weak Understanding of Internal Processes Neglecting to examine current operational processes results in implementing technological solutions that do not align with actual needs, complicating operations instead of improving them. 3. Lack of a Suitable Organizational Culture Digital transformation is not just about acquiring new systems but requires a complete cultural shift within the organization, where all employees understand the importance of the transformation and how it enhances their work. 4. Haste Without Comprehensive Planning Some companies rush toward technological solutions without conducting thorough analysis or setting a clear roadmap that includes measurable goals and incremental steps. 5. Weak Joint Leadership Without close collaboration between technology management (CIO or CTO) and business management (CEO and COO), digital transformation becomes an isolated project rather than an integral part of the company’s strategy. 6. Resistance to Change and Fear of Risks Some senior management teams prefer traditional methods and fear failure or the risks associated with technology, leading to delays or obstruction of digital transformation efforts. 7. Uninformed Decision-Making Management may rely on poorly studied or unrealistic insights, such as selecting unsuitable systems or setting unrealistic goals. 8. Ignoring Team Expertise Disregarding suggestions or feedback from operational or technical teams, who are more attuned to practical challenges on the ground. 9. Over-Control Without Delegation of Authority Senior management’s insistence on controlling every detail without empowering technical or operational managers to make quick decisions slows progress. 10. Focusing Solely on Quick Returns If management focuses only on achieving immediate financial returns from digital transformation, long-term goals like improving efficiency and fostering innovation are overlooked. Proposed Solutions •          Appointing a Mediator or Cross-Functional Team: Include technology experts and representatives from each department to understand business needs and align them with appropriate technological solutions. •          Process Design First: Focus on reengineering business processes before introducing technology to ensure systems align with actual needs. •          Training and Awareness: Raise employee awareness about the importance of digital transformation and provide necessary training to ensure acceptance of changes. •          Incremental Implementation: Apply changes in stages, review results, and adjust strategies based on lessons learned. •          Continuous Education for Senior Management: Present successful case studies, risk-benefit analyses, and explain how digital transformation supports strategic objectives. •          Early Engagement of Senior Management: Involve management in planning from the start to ensure their understanding of challenges and solutions. •          Highlighting ROI: Clearly demonstrate how digital transformation delivers measurable short- and long-term benefits. •          Building Internal Alliances: Foster transformation through internal alliances, including decision-makers, executives, and representatives from all departments. •          Top-Down Leadership: Assign a “Change Sponsor” from senior management to lead the transformation, setting an example and ensuring commitment across all levels. Author: Zainab Mohamad, Award-Winning CEO, Entrepreneur, Certified Strategic Project Management, Inspirational Author, Creative Artist

Every year, millions of people start January with a fresh sense of motivation and a list of resolutions. Yet, by the time February rolls around, many find their goals abandoned. Research shows that only about 9% of people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions. So, how can you turn your resolutions into lasting changes? Here are five actionable strategies to help you make your resolutions stick throughout the year. 1. Start Small and Be Specific One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting resolutions is aiming too high or being too vague. For example, resolving to “get fit” or “save money” can feel overwhelming because they lack clear direction. Instead, break your resolutions into small, actionable goals. If your goal is to exercise more, start with a commitment to work out for 15 minutes three times a week. Once that becomes a habit, you can gradually increase the intensity or frequency. Similarly, if you want to save money, set a specific target like saving $50 per week or cutting back on dining out. Starting small helps build momentum and makes the resolution feel achievable, increasing your chances of long-term success. 2. Create a Plan and Track Your Progress A resolution without a plan is just a wish. Once you’ve set your goal, map out the steps needed to achieve it. Break your resolution into smaller milestones and assign timelines to each one. For example, if your resolution is to read more, set a goal of reading one book per month and outline how many pages you’ll read each day or week. Tracking your progress is equally important. Use a journal, app, or calendar to monitor your achievements. Celebrate small wins along the way, as this reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated. Remember, progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Even if you fall behind, tracking allows you to see how far you’ve come and adjust your plan as needed. 3. Build Accountability Accountability is a powerful tool for sticking to your resolutions. When you share your goals with others, you create a sense of responsibility to follow through. Find an accountability partner who shares similar goals or is willing to support you. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker. For instance, if your goal is to exercise regularly, working out with a buddy can make the experience more enjoyable and keep you consistent. You can also join online communities or social groups related to your resolution. Sharing your progress, challenges, and successes with like-minded individuals creates a sense of camaraderie and motivates you to stay on track. 4. Focus on Building Habits, Not Just Achieving Goals The key to lasting change lies in creating sustainable habits rather than solely focusing on the end result. Resolutions often fail because people view them as temporary tasks rather than lifestyle changes. For example, instead of setting a resolution to lose 20 pounds, focus on building habits like eating more vegetables, drinking water regularly, and walking for 30 minutes daily. When you prioritize habits, the desired outcomes—such as weight loss or better health—naturally follow. Use tools like habit trackers or the “habit stacking” method to reinforce new behaviors. Habit stacking involves linking a new habit to an existing one. For instance, if you want to meditate daily, pair it with brushing your teeth in the morning. Over time, these small habits become automatic, making it easier to sustain your resolution. 5. Be Flexible and Practice Self-Compassion Life is unpredictable, and sticking to resolutions isn’t always a linear process. It’s important to be flexible and adapt your approach when challenges arise. If you miss a day or fall short of your goal, don’t let it derail your progress. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, treat them as opportunities to learn and grow. Self-compassion is crucial for long-term success. Recognize that everyone experiences ups and downs, and it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is your ability to pick yourself back up and keep going. Reframe your mindset to focus on progress, not perfection. Even small, incremental improvements are valuable steps toward your ultimate goal. By being kind to yourself, you’ll be more motivated to stay the course and less likely to give up entirely. Conclusion New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to improve your life, but turning them into lasting change requires thoughtful planning, consistency, and a positive mindset. By starting small, creating a clear plan, building accountability, focusing on habits, and practicing self-compassion, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the small, consistent actions you take each day that add up to significant results over time. This year, instead of making resolutions that fade away, commit to creating meaningful, sustainable changes that will enhance your life for years to come.

The holiday season, and Christmas in particular, is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time filled with joy, family gatherings, and the spirit of giving. Yet, amid the twinkling lights and festive celebrations, it’s also a time to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas—spreading kindness, hope, and love. Community service during the holidays embodies this spirit, and while grand gestures of generosity capture attention, it’s often the small, heartfelt acts that leave the most lasting impact. The Spirit of Christmas in Small Actions When we think of giving during the holiday season, images of lavish donations or large-scale charity drives might come to mind. While these efforts are undoubtedly valuable, they’re not the only way to make a difference. Small, simple actions, like shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor, sharing a meal with someone in need, or even writing heartfelt Christmas cards to strangers, embody the true essence of the season. These small gestures resonate because they come from a place of genuine care. For example, delivering a warm meal to someone spending Christmas alone might seem like a minor act, but to that person, it could mean everything. A simple smile or a “Merry Christmas” to a passerby can lift someone’s spirits during what might otherwise be a lonely or challenging time of year. What makes these small actions so powerful is their accessibility. Anyone can participate, regardless of age, financial means, or background. Whether it’s donating a few hours to a local soup kitchen or leaving a basket of treats on a neighbor’s doorstep, small acts of service remind us that Christmas is not just about what we receive, but what we give. The Ripple Effect of Holiday Kindness One of the most beautiful aspects of community service during the holidays is the ripple effect it creates. A single act of kindness often inspires others to do the same, creating a wave of goodwill that spreads far and wide. For instance, donating a toy to a local children’s charity may inspire others in your community to contribute as well. That one toy may brighten a child’s Christmas morning, creating a memory that lasts a lifetime and fostering a sense of generosity in others. Consider the story of the “pay it forward” coffee lines that often emerge during the holidays. One person buys coffee for the person behind them, sparking a chain reaction that sometimes lasts for hours. These moments remind us that kindness is contagious, and even the smallest gestures can multiply into something far greater than we imagined. The Transformative Power of Christmas Giving What makes small acts of community service during Christmas so impactful is their potential to transform not only the lives of others but also our own. Volunteering or giving back fosters a sense of connection and purpose, which is especially important during the holidays when many feel isolated or overwhelmed. For example, visiting a nursing home to sing carols or simply spend time with residents can brighten the day of those who may not have family nearby. In turn, the experience often leaves volunteers with a profound sense of gratitude and joy, reminding them of the true meaning of the season. Acts of service also teach children valuable lessons about empathy and generosity. Involving kids in activities like wrapping gifts for families in need or baking cookies for local firefighters helps instill the importance of giving, creating a tradition that can be passed down for generations. Small Acts, Lasting Impact The beauty of community service during Christmas lies in its ability to create lasting change through small, intentional acts. While the immediate impact of handing out warm blankets to those experiencing homelessness or donating food to a shelter is evident, the true power of these actions often unfolds over time. For the recipient, these gestures can provide hope and encouragement during what might otherwise be a difficult season. For the giver, they offer an opportunity to connect with others and experience the joy of making a difference, no matter how small. These actions, when multiplied across communities, create a collective spirit of kindness that reflects the very heart of Christmas. How You Can Make a Difference This Christmas You don’t need a lot of time, money, or resources to make an impact this holiday season. Here are a few simple ways to get involved: The True Spirit of the Season Christmas is more than a day on the calendar; it’s a season of hope, love, and giving. While extravagant gestures have their place, it’s often the quiet, everyday acts of kindness that truly capture the magic of the season. This Christmas, take a moment to embrace the hidden power of community service. Whether through a smile, a kind word, or a simple act of generosity, you have the ability to make someone’s holiday a little brighter—and that’s the kind of gift that lasts long after the decorations come down.