The digital era continues to transform and challenge the traditional business landscape. New leadership skills and behaviors are required for IT leaders to thrive in this evolving environment. Digital leaders must blend new and traditional skills to successfully guide their organizations into the future.
In today’s digital landscape, technology is at the core of the modern business. The transition to this agile workplace has created skill gaps. According to a study by Forrester, of the 74 percent of organizations that have a digital strategy, only 15 percent believe that they are equipped with the necessary personnel to execute these actions effectively. Continue reading to learn more about five key strengths required for contemporary IT leaders.
Communication
To be an effective IT leader, you must be a great communicator. Through the use of technology, communication practices can be streamlined from top to bottom. Digital leaders understand the importance of leveraging technology to support increased coordination. By keeping your team abreast of change, they are empowered to adapt to current trends and learn to stay focused. Communication skills include public speaking, written communication, and listening.
Digital Literacy
Professional development is a continuous process for all levels of the workforce. In an MIT study of 1,000 CEOs, while 90 percent believe that their organizations are being reinvented or disrupted by digital models, 70 percent do not believe that they possess the proper infrastructure, skills, or leaders to adapt. Digital immigrants must be proactive in getting up-to-speed with the technical knowledge of their younger peers. Digital understanding is crucial for IT leaders to make informed and confident decisions for their organizations.
Innovation
By prioritizing digital innovation, businesses can benefit from higher growth in their respective industries. Leaders must strive to be more adaptable and flexible in their approach to creating a modern digital workplace. Innovation is impossible without taking risks. IT leadership should nurture a digital culture that embraces change and learns from the outcomes. By cultivating an environment with innovative practices, such as automation, your employees will become more productive.
Adaptability
Leadership is fluid and ever-changing. IT leaders are not only responsible for articulating a vision that can be rallied behind, but also craft conditions that enable digital maturity and bring out the best in their personnel. Adaptability provides the foundation from which to effect change. In a report by Right Management, 91 percent of HR hiring managers believe that people will be hired based on their capacity to deal with change. Leaders must be able to minimize the negative impact of disruption by remaining flexible.
Leadership
The foundation of digital leadership is driving results and change through people. Current IT leaders must not only focus on their digital culture but recognize the value of human leadership. Leadership is fluid and ever-changing. Digital leaders must be agents of change and create harmony between people and technology. This includes promoting a strong teamwork orientation and embracing the human element of technology.
Today’s IT leaders are self-aware and results-driven. By cultivating a strong digital culture, employees can boost productivity, customers experience higher satisfaction, and company revenue can be increased. Leaders today require an advanced set of skills to drive success and reap rewards for not only themselves but also their organizations and the workforce at large. The pace of change in the digital era requires agility and proactiveness in the face of challenges. While many core leadership skills remain the same, the demands of digital disruption call for the addition of new technology-oriented behaviors to achieve success.
Stevenson University Online offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that can equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s digital landscape. Programs include Business Communication, Business and Technology Management, and Communication Studies. All courses are online, allowing you to continue working while pursuing your degree. For more information, please contact us at suo-inquiry@stevenson.edu or 1-877-531-7118.