The work world continues its metamorphosis as organizationsincreasingly leverage technology to modernize their business strategies. As thepace of change intensifies, many companies just cannot compete as competitionrains in from every direction.

Digital platforms now deliver immense value, enabling us to connect, collaborate and broaden our minds raising awareness about important issues, bringing people together for a common purpose and achieving new breakthroughs.

The digital revolution has launched a new era of humanempowerment and engagement across business, society and in every aspect of ourlives. Never before has there been a more powerful influence on human behavior,irrespective of country or culture, than the combined effect of digital technologies. The effects of this shift on society aretremendous and, in particular, are dramatically changing our leadershipresponsibilities whether in politics, professionals in business, teachers inschool or parents raising children.

As our work world becomes increasingly digital, understandingthe role of digital technology in shaping culture and behavior and using it toan advantage is key to effective leadership in the future. Moreand more companies are embracing advanced technologies to decrease the cost ofproduction and increase profitability.

While organizations are grappling with the market disruptions dueto digital transformation, leaders are expected to not only keeping pace withthe ever changing business environment, but also ensuring successful adoptionof digital solutions, achieving desired outcomes and also aligning allemployees to the established digital transformation imperatives.

Digital transformation is challenging how the leaders interact, communicate, develop, and oversee the performances of their people. Leaders are expected to create an environment of teamwork, where people can constantly learn, adopt and adapt to the digital systems.

However, in the digital era, physical presence of leaders has beenmostly substituted with virtual form of leadership. Thus, further adding to thechallenge of connecting emotionally and establishing the much desiredinterpersonal connect with the team.

We all know the importance of physical interactions and how ithelps leaders to gauge responses and actions of colleagues and team members,according to their emotional disposition, which is missing in a digitalcommunication setup and making it difficult for a leader to read or interpretemployee emotions.

WhereShould You Focus? Not every competency has the same impact onan organizations digital performance. Following six competencies that have thegreatest impact on performance and of these six most critical skills, most leadersare relatively strong in four areas, weaker in two:-

Although, information technology in this era offers multiplemediums of interacting and communicating seamlessly, there are certain softeraspects which the leaders are required to adapt to and manage with utmost care.For communications in virtual settings, the information could possibly lose itssocial or contextual meaning compared to traditional face-to face conversationsthat allows for direct responses. Additionally, e-leaders find it difficult tocommunicate to their global teams due to different time zones.

Digital transformation has enabled globalization, helping companiesspread their businesses across the globe. However, leaders have a challengedeveloping a single communication strategy or approach when working with suchdispersed staff and high cultural sensitivity.

Whereto Start?

With all the variances between generations, leaders have to evolve their styles to motivate a very diverse workforce.

Here are Top 8 Skills of Todays Digital Leaders:-

Howto Differentiate?

In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge the need forleadership training, and accordingly tailor the trainings aligned to currentdigital technologies, will benefit the organizations in their digitaltransformation journey. Looking to the near future, every organizationwill need to embrace new technologies if they are to flourish. And, those withthe most capable digital-ready leaders will continue to stay ahead of thecurve.

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Leading people in the times of digital transformation | SC Media - SC Magazine