We are misled in today’s digitalization to focus on the technology instead of the value it brings, focus on the processes instead of the people, and we all to often miss out on how it actually affects people in everyday life. We focus on the things, and not on the people.
First, it’s time we realize that digitalization is about changing peoples lives and behaviour, not delivering new technology, which means that we need to be good leaders that understand how to guide someone from today to tomorrow. We need leaders that understand how to meet the person where he or she is, before you together can share perspective and from there see where you should go. That is why leadership is a key ingredient in digitalization.
Leadership is no longer an ability that will be important for the members of the hierarchy, but something that is equally important for everyone.
Secondly, if we want to reap the benefits of digitalization, we can’t solely rely on a few leaders, we all need to be leaders to make this huge change happen. We need self-governed and self-motivated people. This means that you need to train everyone to be a leader, to succeed in digitalization, and as an organization today. Leadership is no longer an ability that will be important for the members of the hierarchy, but something that is equally important for everyone.
Even though we know that leadership is a key ingredient, and that everyone needs to be a leader, it’s still not happening. Why?
Because of three things:
- You are not ready to give up your own power. If everyone is equal, if everyone is a leader, and you are not special any more.
- You realize that you need to change and some of us don’t want that. Most of us like the status quo.
- It’s so much harder and demands grit, perseverance, and determination. And when mediocrity comes knocking on the door with some cash, most people and organizations give up. Take the short term for the long term.
What do you think about this? What does it take to build a self-governed organization and is it important to be able to reap the benefits of digitalization?
Connect with me and let me know what your thoughts are, and as always, I love feedback in any form.
Think big, continuously act small and aim to be awesome.