Leadership in the Digital Age

This digital age and VUCA world are a great test for leaders. In an era of unprecedented uncertainty and change, traditional tools of management like structure, strategy, planning and policies do not just lose their effectiveness but can become a roadblock. Instead, you need vision, inspiration, intuition, collaboration, and ability to constantly adapt. This requires a shift in expectations of executives, from their being efficient managers to becoming entrepreneurial leaders. ‘Managers to Leaders’ is an often-repeated cliché in management. It has become an absolute imperative in the digital age. Management of duality is another important requirement in the digital age. There are many contradictions that leaders need to respond to – growth versus profitability, short term versus long term, and many more. It is not enough to find the tradeoffs on these complementary values, leaders need to find win-win solutions. Finally, balance and sustainability are also critical topics for leaders to address. The breathtaking pace of activity is a defining feature of the digital age, but it is also one of its biggest challenges. Individuals are at greater risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression. At the society level, the obsession with growth is resulting in irreparable damage to the environment and grave socio-economic issues. Leaders in the digital age have a responsibility not just towards their enterprises, but also towards society as a whole. They need to find balance within themselves. I believe spiritual practices and meditation can be help leaders centre themselves and find peace within. In addition, they need to consider how they can build an ethical foundation for their organizations and make a broader contribution to society.