Leadership is a critical component of any organisation, but it is essential in the digital age. Innovative and forward-thinking leaders are essential for businesses to stay competitive. The qualities that make an outstanding leader vary from person to person, but there are some common traits among the most successful ones.
Some of the greatest leaders operating in the technology space have used outstanding leadership qualities to ensure that their businesses maintain powerful levels of success.
We can see an example of some of the best digital leaders in this digital transformation Europe innovators report you can see in full here.
What qualities do the digital leaders share?
1. Having the potential of building a system
The first quality is the potential of the leader to build a system. This means that the leader can see the big picture and understand how all the pieces fit together. As well as the ability to see where the business needs to go, they are also visionaries.
A prominent leader in the digital age must also be able to build a system that is agile and adaptable. The system should be able to change as the business needs to change. The leader must expect the company’s needs and make the changes quickly.
2. Being able to inspire and motivate people
You must be able to motivate and inspire people. The right leader will engage the team and get them excited about the business. They must also be able to provide direction and guidance when needed.
Inspiring and motivating people is not always easy, but a leader needs to develop the ability to motivate people. If the leader can’t inspire and motivate people, the business is likely to struggle.
3. Leaders are Innovators, not Imitators
Creating new ideas for leadership is crucial for becoming a successful leader in the digital age. They can’t be afraid to take risks because that’s how businesses grow.
Innovating doesn’t mean that the leader has to develop a new product or service. It can simply mean that they strive to improve the organisation.
For example, a leader might innovate by introducing a new way of working or changing how customer queries are handled. Keeping up with the competition relies on innovation. If a business is not innovating, then it’s likely that its rivals will overtake it.
4. Leaders create a shared sense of purpose
They must be capable of creating a sense of shared purpose. The leader must be able to motivate the entire team to work toward the company’s goals. Ensure that everyone agrees and communicates the vision.
A shared sense of purpose is important because everyone is working towards the same goal. It also makes it easier to decide because everyone knows what the business is trying to achieve. It could be difficult, but it’s essential for the leader to do it.
5. Leadership demands constant learning and command with technology
It is also vital for a leader to learn new things. Leaders in the digital age must be able to learn and adapt constantly. They can’t be afraid of change.
Constant learning is crucial because it allows leaders to keep up with the latest trends. It also means that they can identify new opportunities and threats. If a leader is not learning, they are likely to fall behind.
As Hugh Fiennes emphasised, a leader must understand how to use technology to be successful:
“The reality seems to be that when it comes to the internet-connected device, there is no such thing as absolute security. Your device can start by being secure today and then not be secure tomorrow.”
This quality is crucial for leaders because the world is constantly changing. Though it depends on the business, the leader should be able to learn new things quickly.
A leader must use technology effectively to improve the company’s productivity. Using technology correctly can give businesses a competitive edge. It can also help leaders to save time and money.
If a leader doesn’t understand how to use technology, they might be at a significant disadvantage. It’s not enough for the leader to use technology; they must also be able to understand it.
6. Being able to delegate and trust people
It is essential that leaders can delegate tasks and be confident that they will be completed correctly. They can’t micromanage or try to control everything.
Delegating and trusting people is important because it allows leaders to focus on important tasks. It guarantees that tasks will be accomplished efficiently and effectively. If a leader doesn’t delegate or trust people, he’s likely to struggle.
Conclusion
If you want to be a successful leader in the coming years, it is vital to invest your efforts in developing these qualities.
Furthermore, when continuing the journey into digital transformation, keep an open mind, be willing to experiment and always be on the lookout for new opportunities.
