TECHNOLOGY Digital
TECHNOLOGY Digital skills every leader needs for the future Data analytics has proven to be a game changer in the business world but it is just one of the many digital skills that the modern business leader needs to manage the future. From cybersecurity to ethics and the use of technology to manage and lead teams, Cohen Appanah highlights five essential qualities for success. The world will need to reskill more than one-billion people by 2030 because of technology-led and digital changes in the workplace. It is crucial that leaders arm themselves with the digital skills necessary to thrive in this evolving landscape and lead in the future. A leader’s ability to harness digital advancements such as AI, blockchain and IoT is no longer optional – it is a prerequisite for future success. Leaders need also to understand that failure to adapt will result in a loss of a competitive edge and the eventual downfall of the business. The world of work is changing rapidly and digital skills are at the forefront of the change, requiring a shift in leadership methodology in order to keep up with emerging trends and to remain relevant in industry. More emphasis needs to be placed on digital skills as it is a key factor for business success in the future, especially for those occupying leadership positions, as change is generally led from the top of the organisation. Digital skills can radically improve a business, and the use of technology is capable of making a significant impact on the role of a leader as well as their decision-making effectiveness, ultimately impacting the entire organisation’s future. Digital skills can be as simple as a leader using a device such as a laptop or tablet for work-related tasks and as complex as encompassing digital technology to manage and lead teams as well as the business. It includes the management of digital information, use of digital technology and the utilisation of data to make business decisions. Digital skills also consider factors such as digital literacy, data-driven decision-making, communication and collaboration, cybersecurity, training efforts, technology, ethics and responsible use. An effective leader for the future with strong digital skills will ideally be able to lead digital transformation and navigate all of the above aspects successfully, ensuring that teams are aligned with the business’s digital objectives. These are the digital skills that every leader needs for the future: 44 | www.opportunityonline.co.za PHOTO: Antonio BatInic on Pexels
TECHNOLOGY Employ a continual-learning mindset A leader in the future will be required to understand and effectively navigate digital systems as and when they are developed. This will require that leaders stay abreast of the latest developments by immersing themselves in areas where these developments are discussed. These could be in the form of summits, workshops, masterclasses, forums and keynotes. Continual learning about these digital technologies will be crucial in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. That landscape is changing radically, with AI applications and solutions being developed at an extremely fast pace. Leaders need to ensure they are ahead of these developments by continuously upskilling and adapting to the latest digital trends. A continual-learning mindset is paramount to achieving this. Data-driven decision-making The use of data to make decisions is one of the most effective ways in which to make well-informed business decisions. Leaders need to understand the data generated by their business to an incredibly detailed level. If there is a requirement for new data to be collected that will better aid decision-making, then the leader needs to devise a solution to collect that data and use it to make better decisions. Leaders need to know how to interpret data and use it to make strategic decisions. These could be in the form of dashboards, keyperformance indicators (KPIs), key-performance areas (KPAs) and insights from AI tools. AI technology is capable of interpreting data in creative ways to drive business decisions and better inform leaders. Data analytics has proven to be a game changer in the business world and is critical for a leader to understand. Change management through the digital era Leaders needs to understand how to lead their teams through digital and technological change. Agility is required to negotiate the pace of change. As a solution is implemented, a new and better one is being created almost concurrently. We are in an age of disruption and rapid development which is currently concentrated around AI technology and the development of solutions using AI. Leaders need to have the relevant change-management skills for a digital landscape and be able to navigate their teams accordingly to foster a mindset of innovation and transformation. Ineffective management of change will result in a failure to implement digital tools appropriately. Ethical considerations in a digital age Leaders need to be at the forefront of understanding the risks with regards to ethics and responsible use when employing new digital technology. With any new development, there are risks involved. The risks associated with digital technology are especially difficult to identify as they are virtual. Leaders need to ensure they are well positioned to have a full view of the potential impact of employing digital technology without the proper due diligence. This will also take into account the protection of the organisation itself, as improper use of digital technology can have the potential to impact the credibility of the organisation and its data protection. Employees need to be considered as well as the integrity of the organisation’s digital security. This can only be achieved by a leader having full insight into the risks involved and ensuring that a comprehensive risk management plan is set up. Understanding and use of digital tools Leaders need to lead from the front and this means having an in-depth understanding of how to use digital tools that are available. They also need to be able to assess which tools are right for their organisation and how different tools can support various business functions. These tools include online platforms, web applications and software that have been developed and are currently in development. If there is a new solution that enters the market, leaders need to be aware of it and understand its application. A leader will find it difficult to get their teams to employ digital tools if they do not lead by example. This may prove difficult for some in leadership roles that are more hands on, or prefer older, trusted methods, but a shift is required as it is critical for businesses to evolve and keep up with the latest digital trends. The workforce has changed significantly and the new generation of the workforce is digitally oriented, especially since the inception of wider-scale remote working. Leaders need to take charge of their own understanding of the digital era. The above digital skills cover a range of areas in which leaders need to develop to be effective in the future. Leaders can practically acquire these skills by continuously upskilling themselves through the various resources available in the form of courses, workshops and study options. They can also join blogs, follow thought leaders and complete programmes that are offered. Many of these resources are free of charge and widely available to leaders from all over the world. It is also beneficial for leaders to immerse themselves among other thought leaders in the digital landscape, as these connections can prove vital in the future. The future is digital, and leaders must take proactive steps to be ready. Now is the time to build the digital proficiency needed for leaders to guide their organisations into the future. Cohen Appanah www.opportunityonline.co.za | 45
