The Covid-19 pandemic has served as a stark reminder for organisations worldwide of the importance of being digitally ready. In today's digital age, it is more important than ever to have a strategy in place for when (not if) a crisis hits. As we saw during the pandemic, those who were prepared fared much better than those who were not. If you're unsure where to start, this blog post will give you five reasons why digital leadership is key.
Reason #01: The World is Going Digital - Whether You Like it or Not
There's no denying that the world is going digital. Every day, more and more businesses are moving online. Studies show that more than 73% of the global workforce want to keep their flexible remote work options even after the pandemic is over. This trend is only going to continue, which means that organisations need to be prepared. This year, Recruitor.com surveyed employers and employees to predict six recruiting trends for the coming year. One of those findings was that "Remote work is the new normal."
To stay ahead of the curve, organisations need to embrace digital transformation. This means rethinking the way they do business and making the shift to digital processes and tools. By doing so, they will be better prepared for the future and more agile in the face of change.
Reason #02: Your Customers are Digital - You Need to Be Too
Another key reason you must be a digital leader at your company is that your customers are already digital. To meet their needs and expectations, you must meet them where they are - online.
Think about your customer behaviour. When was the last time you made a purchase without first doing some research online? If you're like most people, it's probably been a while. In fact, studies show that 81% of shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase. And, when they're ready to buy, they're more likely to purchase from a company with an online presence.
Reason #03: You Need to be Agile
In today's fast-paced world, organisations need to be agile. This means being able to adapt quickly to change. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a perfect example of this. In the span of a few months, the world changed dramatically. Businesses were forced to close their doors, employees were sent home to work remotely, and many industries were turned upside down.
Those who could adapt quickly fared much better than those who could not. For example, companies that were able to move their operations online quickly were able to continue doing business, while those who could not had to shut down completely. To be agile, organisations need to have systems and processes in place that allow them to make changes quickly. They also need to be willing to experiment and try new things.
Reason #04: You Must be Data-Driven
In today's digital world, data is king. To make informed decisions, organisations need to have a data-driven approach. This means using data to guide decision-making rather than relying on gut instinct. From website analytics to social media insights, a wealth of data is available to organisations. By harnessing this data, they can gain a better understanding of their customers and make more informed decisions about their marketing and product development strategies.
Reason #05: You Need to be Innovative
Innovation is critical for organisations that want to stay ahead of the competition. In today's digital world, new technologies and platforms are emerging all the time. To be successful, organisations need to be able to identify these new trends and make use of them. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics in the tech world right now. Those who can harness AI in their industries will have a significant competitive advantage.
To be an innovative organisation, you need to have a culture that encourages and supports innovation. This means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. It also means investing in new technologies and platforms that can help you gain a competitive edge.
