By Rebecca Pitsika, CEO of WE R Holding
TODAY The ever-changing digital landscape, redefining the way every sector of the economy operates, requires companies to establish modern and innovative digital strategies – and this burden falls on leaders who are called upon to manage both opportunities and challenges. Expanded networks, big data and advanced digital technologies are increasingly influencing modern business plans.
THE TECHNOLOGIES Developments are completely changing the way we live, work and communicate. Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) require leaders to redefine how companies operate and change the culture of what is possible and what is not, what is valid today and what will be obsolete tomorrow. They require leaders to adapt faster and better to new data.
THE EMERGING These technologies already have numerous applications in the market. They help improve business operations, automate repetitive tasks, provide access to and the ability to process large volumes of data and valuable information to make better decisions – and ultimately, redefine the line between human resources and technological innovation.
THE INNOVATIONS These have revolutionized and fundamentally changed traditional business practices and working models. However, it is not simply about replacing the old with the new. At its core, this revolution is focused on creating innovative solutions to overcome existing system limitations, aiming for more efficient, accessible and user-oriented applications.
MINUTES, The digital revolution, as it impacts the workplace, is creating a new business landscape, resulting in the redefinition of customer expectations, the transformation of previous value constants and the reengineering of markets in unprecedented ways. The possibilities seem endless, and the disruption is not just temporary. It is an integral part of the ever-evolving digital landscape.
IN THIS In this scenario, the first step to achieving digital transition is to analyze the business’s technological structure, which requires a comprehensive assessment of software and hardware.
NEXT The next step is to plan your digital strategy. This is perhaps the most difficult step, because it requires a cultural shift and a redefinition of skills at all levels. Integrating advanced technologies into the reshaping of business operations is not an easy task – it requires strategy and methodology. It requires alignment with corporate objectives to create an engaging digital experience for your employees and customers.
HOWEVER, The most important thing is that all companies understand that technological progress is effective to the extent that it is driven by the human element and serves their needs and expectations. This is why it is important to cultivate a strong digital culture, empowering employees through skills development, familiarization and digital training programs.
AS As we move towards digital transformation, the skills required for effective leadership are changing and evolving rapidly and dynamically. Today’s leaders need deep knowledge and familiarity with technology, determination, flexibility and adaptability, empathy in decision-making, digital literacy and a deep understanding of digital behaviors. They need to be unafraid to assess and be assessed, and not shy away from continuous learning.
BUT ALSO Workers need to be digitally educated, using technology to their advantage to facilitate their work, so that they can develop their thinking and skills, without fear of losing their jobs. Redefining skills and continuous learning are now an integral part of the new work reality. And, finally, they can make it more interesting, as they “fill” it with new challenges, beyond the usual routines. It may seem that the “study – work – pension” model is “dying”, but the very words “job”, “function”, “specialty” are changing – and certainly the first change is from the singular to the plural, as we will now talk about different “jobs”, “functions”, “skills” during our professional life – and, therefore, new skills.
HOWEVER From the perspective of skills, new trends affect business operations themselves, processes, new product design, customer experience, corporate social and environmental responsibility – and, ultimately, business sustainability and profitability.
HOWEVER, After all, in today’s digital world, the skills of leaders, teams and their partners are even more important. That’s why it’s extremely important to systematically assess them, with the aim of redefining them and with a common goal – reducing risk and exploring opportunities, with the aim of profitability, but with a sense of social responsibility. Because at the center was, is and will continue to be the human being: as a leader, as a collaborator, as a customer, as a citizen. Because technology has always existed – each time in different forms and capacities. And it’s in our hands, in the human hand, how we will benefit from it. And it’s up to the leaders how to conduct their businesses to make the most of it.