The Technology Fallacy: How People Are the Real Key to Digital Transformation (Management on the Cutting Edge)

by Gerald C. Kane

Direction: Providing vision and purpose. Having vision and setting direction has always been a leadership fundamental. But in a digital environment, this capability takes on new meaning. In our study, it’s cited as the most important leadership skill. With the uncertainty and undiscovered possibilities facing today’s business environment, leaders must have a transformative vision for their organizations, with both long-term and short-term outlooks. Business judgment: Making decisions in an uncertain context. Leaders have always had to demonstrate commercial acumen and wisdom through sound business decisions. In a more digital environment, decisions often must be made more quickly and with incomplete or uncertain information. Leaders may no longer be able to wait for an ROI analysis or early performance measures. Execution: Empowering people to think differently. Leaders have always had to rely on others to achieve results. To do this effectively in a digital environment, leaders must empower their people to think more creatively, work more collaboratively, adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset, and be leaders themselves. Inspirational leadership: Getting people to follow you. Digital transformation and digital maturity are huge changes. To navigate people through the change and uncertainty and get behind a vision, leaders must inspire others. People must want to follow them, not be forced to do so. Innovation: Creating the conditions for people to experiment. Innovation is ...