Bridging the Increasing Speed of Technology Changes
We are living in a time of unprecedented technological advancement. It is having just as profound an impact on our work as it is on our personal lives, homes, and communities. With so much change afoot, you might wonder how you can build bridges between changing expectations and your own knowledge and experience as a leader. To construct the foundations of such a bridge and become the best multi-generational leader you can be, it is helpful to have a general familiarity with the most important, growing technologies of today.
Today’s most transformative technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI), the growing ability of computer programs to “think” and learn the way human beings do.
Cloud computing, the use of remote networks of servers to store and manage our data.
Robotics, the engineering of robots.
Analytics, the use of statistical data and sometimes AI to analyze information and parse out meaningful patterns.
Automation, the use of programs or machines to automate tasks and processes.
Guiding a team through uncharted waters
Today’s leaders are tasked with a historically important role–we must guide others through the unknown territory of rapidly changing technologies. This can be an intimidating task at times; you might feel that your team expects you to be fluent in current digital trends and completely tech-savvy.
The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert in every aspect of new technology to thrive as a leader and help your team flourish. As is the case when captaining a ship through turbulent waters, all you need is courage and a clear mind.
Tips for leading a team amidst rapid technological change:
Follow a corporate technology newsletter to keep abreast of the latest trends. There is generally no need to have a comprehensive knowledge of any particular technological field, but having an idea of what advancements are currently taking place will help you to make good decisions for your team.
Try to keep an open mind as you consider changes. Could your team work well remotely? Would a new interoffice communication software be a boon? Should your organization consider utilizing the newest social media platform?
Collaborate! If you determine that it is time for your team to try utilizing a new technology or platform, keep in mind that, thankfully, there is no need to reinvent the wheel–experienced individuals and organizations are ready and willing to help you succeed.
Keep human beings at the center of your choices. It may be tempting at times to embrace technologies for technology’s sake, but remember that the job of an algorithm or a robot or a network is to support human creativity and innovation.
At the end of the day, it is up to you to determine what is right for the organization and for your team. People might expect you to follow the latest trends, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what makes sense and what does not.
Leadership coaching
At LEAP Coaching, we can help you develop the instinct and vision to embrace the right changes at the right times. If you’re ready to take your executive skill set to new heights, give us a call at (847) 212-4903.
Are you ready to embrace your role as a fearless captain to navigate your team through uncharted waters of technological change?