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Change is constant. Uncertainty is everywhere. But disruption is not an interruption. It is an invitation – an opportunity to redefine, reinvent, and reimagine. Business leadersglobally have wanted to try new things. Stop things that weren’t working. But hesitated to initiate changes due to uncertainties and fear of failure. Disruption not only facilitated but accelerated that change.With the increased adoption of digital tools and the innovations that we are seeing in connecting with people, the way we engage with the world has transformed drastically. The days of “business as usual” are long gone. Now, it’s about re-imagining, adapting and thriving amidst constant change – every single day.
Think about it-two decades ago, could we even imagine how digitally interconnected and engaged we’d become? Some shifts are subtle, easily blending into our daily operations. And then there are those larger ones that make us stop and rethink our entire game plan. Those are the shifts that require a strategic overhaul.
The BTI 2023 Report reveals that 76% of businesses are missing at least one target in their transformation efforts, indicating room for improvement. In a climate like this, it’s up to the business leaders to seize opportunities, script the change, bridge the gaps, and lead their organisations better, faster, and further.
Leadership is not just about sitting at the top of the pyramid giving directions. Modern leadership is about making the complex, simple, and the uncertain, clear. It’s about understanding the ins and outs of the digital dialect, connecting humanely, and communicating effectively.
Let’s spotlight some of the key skills and strategies that business leaders need to thrive in the age of disruption:
Adaptive Leadership: Adaptability is a core business strategy. McKinsey reveals in The State of Organizations 2023 report1 that resilient and adaptive organisations can turn disruptions into growth opportunities, swiftly capitalising on what works.
Digital Literacy: In a world scripted in codes and algorithms, being digitally literate is as fundamental as the air we breathe. Digital isn’t a competitive edge but the baseline now. Every business leader is now a technologist, strategist, cyber guardian, and data interpreter.
Human-Centric Tech Adoption: The thing to remember is technology should be an enabler, not a dominator. Balancing technological advancements with human skills and ethics is non-negotiable.
Emotional Intelligence: But it’s not only about tech. Businesses are about people and people drive profits. So, our capability to understand, empathise, and motivate teams which are today diverse and multi-generational, translates directly to organisational health. It is as straightforward as that.
In times when the lines between professional and personal are blurred, business leaders must harness empathy, listen actively, and build bonds of trust to ensure their teams feel valued and understood. When a leader truly “gets” their people, it’s a game-changer.
Communication at its Core: Clear, concise, and compelling communication is a leadership necessity. It’s the conduit through which visions become shared goals. It’s not about giving orders but creating a culture of respect and understanding, where every voice is heard during times of change.
Curiosity: In a world that’s changing at warp speed, asking the right questions, asking ‘what if’ and ‘why not’ are a necessity to take strides towards innovating solutions.
Willingness to Take Risks: How comfortable are you in making decisions during uncertainties? Risk again is synonymous with opportunities. Calculated risks propel innovation and drive change. It’s not about the certainty of outcome but more about the clarity of purpose and action.
The big picture
Change is inevitable. Disruptions will be as transformative as the leadership that meets them – steady yet nimble, rooted yet visionary, pragmatic yet aspirational. Investing in learning and development to build competencies, collaborations and partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and embedding sustainability in business models are some strategies that can help leaders tackle the next wave head-on. As we move forward, are we proactively shaping our leadership for this new era or letting the era shape our leadership as we passively wait? What’s your move?
By: Balaji Viswanathan, MD & CEO, Expleo India
Think about it-two decades ago, could we even imagine how digitally interconnected and engaged we’d become? Some shifts are subtle, easily blending into our daily operations. And then there are those larger ones that make us stop and rethink our entire game plan. Those are the shifts that require a strategic overhaul.
The BTI 2023 Report reveals that 76% of businesses are missing at least one target in their transformation efforts, indicating room for improvement. In a climate like this, it’s up to the business leaders to seize opportunities, script the change, bridge the gaps, and lead their organisations better, faster, and further.
Leadership is not just about sitting at the top of the pyramid giving directions. Modern leadership is about making the complex, simple, and the uncertain, clear. It’s about understanding the ins and outs of the digital dialect, connecting humanely, and communicating effectively.
Let’s spotlight some of the key skills and strategies that business leaders need to thrive in the age of disruption:
Adaptive Leadership: Adaptability is a core business strategy. McKinsey reveals in The State of Organizations 2023 report1 that resilient and adaptive organisations can turn disruptions into growth opportunities, swiftly capitalising on what works.
Digital Literacy: In a world scripted in codes and algorithms, being digitally literate is as fundamental as the air we breathe. Digital isn’t a competitive edge but the baseline now. Every business leader is now a technologist, strategist, cyber guardian, and data interpreter.
Human-Centric Tech Adoption: The thing to remember is technology should be an enabler, not a dominator. Balancing technological advancements with human skills and ethics is non-negotiable.
Emotional Intelligence: But it’s not only about tech. Businesses are about people and people drive profits. So, our capability to understand, empathise, and motivate teams which are today diverse and multi-generational, translates directly to organisational health. It is as straightforward as that.
In times when the lines between professional and personal are blurred, business leaders must harness empathy, listen actively, and build bonds of trust to ensure their teams feel valued and understood. When a leader truly “gets” their people, it’s a game-changer.
Communication at its Core: Clear, concise, and compelling communication is a leadership necessity. It’s the conduit through which visions become shared goals. It’s not about giving orders but creating a culture of respect and understanding, where every voice is heard during times of change.
Curiosity: In a world that’s changing at warp speed, asking the right questions, asking ‘what if’ and ‘why not’ are a necessity to take strides towards innovating solutions.
Willingness to Take Risks: How comfortable are you in making decisions during uncertainties? Risk again is synonymous with opportunities. Calculated risks propel innovation and drive change. It’s not about the certainty of outcome but more about the clarity of purpose and action.
The big picture
Change is inevitable. Disruptions will be as transformative as the leadership that meets them – steady yet nimble, rooted yet visionary, pragmatic yet aspirational. Investing in learning and development to build competencies, collaborations and partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and embedding sustainability in business models are some strategies that can help leaders tackle the next wave head-on. As we move forward, are we proactively shaping our leadership for this new era or letting the era shape our leadership as we passively wait? What’s your move?
By: Balaji Viswanathan, MD & CEO, Expleo India
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