Digital disruption: How managers are now steering successfully

The Digital disruption is fundamentally changing the business world and presenting managers with new challenges. It requires decision-makers not only to understand technological developments, but also to actively use them to make their organisations fit for the future. Those who recognise and shape change can open up new markets and secure their competitiveness.

Digital disruption: understanding and actively managing opportunities

Under digital disruption is the radical transformation of existing business models through digital innovations. Examples of this can be found in numerous industries:

• In the hospitality industry, Airbnb has established a platform that complements or challenges traditional hotel chains without owning properties itself.
• The mobility sector is experiencing a direct connection between drivers and passengers through Uber, which is reorganising the traditional taxi industry.
• Streaming services such as Spotify and Netflix have completely changed the way we consume music and films, almost replacing physical media.

These examples show that disruption not only means technological innovations, but also fundamentally changes business processes and customer needs. For managers, this means recognising new developments at an early stage and using them strategically. In this way, risks can be minimised and new opportunities targeted.

Digital business models as drivers of disruption

An important pattern in the digital disruption is the creation of digital platforms that efficiently bundle supply and demand. The following industry examples illustrate this:

• Amazon operates as a marketplace without its own inventory and connects millions of retailers with customers worldwide.
• The sharing economy at Uber allows private individuals to become active as drivers via a digital platform and offer flexible services.
• With its App Store, Apple controls access for developers and users, creating an ecosystem of digital services.

Managers need to understand digital ecosystems, strategically build partnerships and organise their own innovation process in an agile manner. This is the only way to maintain control over new, digital sales channels and customer interfaces.

Practical impulses for managers in dealing with digital disruption

Many managers report that they are confronted with uncertainties during digitalisation projects. The following approaches can provide support:

• Proactive analysis: Identify technological trends at an early stage and check how they can influence your business model.
• Agile organisation: Promote a culture that enables experimentation and rapid learning so that innovations can be implemented quickly.
• Utilising partnerships: Cooperate with start-ups and technology providers to pool expertise and resources.
• Transparent communication: Deal openly with change processes in order to reduce fears and promote acceptance.

These steps help to overcome resistance and involve employees as co-creators of the digital transformation.

BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) An international retailer has optimised its supply chain through the targeted introduction of digital platforms and new logistics solutions. This enabled it to respond more quickly to customer requests and keep sales stable despite changes in the market. The support provided by transruptions coaching helped the managers to organise the change in a structured and successful manner.

Digital disruption: managing challenges

Dealing with digital disruption is not only an opportunity, but also a risk. Technological complexity, the protection of sensitive data and cultural changes are relevant issues. Practical examples illustrate this:

• In the automotive industry, the rapid development of electric and autonomous vehicles can pose major challenges for traditional production processes.
• Telecommunications companies are in competition with agile start-ups and have to modernise their IT infrastructure on an ongoing basis.
• Banks are adapting to new digital payment methods and financial technologies (FinTech) in order to fulfil customer needs in line with the times.

These situations require targeted change management and a clear leadership vision in order to guide organisations safely through change.

BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A telecommunications provider relied on digital customer portals and automated processes at an early stage. This enabled it to maintain its market position despite tough competition. The supportive coaching helped to flexibly align internal structures and secure digital competences.

My analysis

The Digital disruption is a continuous process that is permanently changing all industries. Successful managers take an active approach to this process by recognising technological developments and using them strategically. Agile organisational structures, open communication and targeted partnerships are key elements for successfully managing change. In doing so, transruptions coaching supports many companies in reducing uncertainty and implementing digital change in a targeted manner. The targeted management of digital disruption future viability and opens up opportunities to tap into new markets.

Further links from the text above:

Digital disruption: How managers are now steering successfully
Disruptive business models: creating new markets
Digital disruption: utilising opportunities, risks for companies
Digital disruption - IT portal
What is digital disruption?

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