Digital leadership is the magic word for companies that want to remain successful in the future. It forms the basis for leading and motivating teams in an increasingly complex world and dealing with technological changes.
What characterises digital leadership?
Digital leadership is not just about tools and software. The decisive factor is how digital changes are anchored in the corporate culture and how managers promote teamwork, agility and innovation[3][7]. They recognise new opportunities and support their team in using them for the company's success.
Digital expertise, flexibility and transparent communication are the cornerstones of modern leadership[3][7]. Digital leaders understand technology, but use it in a targeted way to create real added value. They dissolve traditional hierarchies, promote self-organised teams and make knowledge available to everyone.
Digital leadership in practice: success factors
Many companies fail when introducing new technologies because they only focus on the technology and not the people. Digital leadership, on the other hand, focuses on a holistic approach.
Develop a clear vision
A company should define for itself where the digital journey should take it. A clear vision provides orientation and motivates the workforce to actively shape the change[1]. One construction company, for example, formulated the goal of making all processes paperless by 2025 in order to save time and resources.
Utilising adaptive leadership models
Pure control no longer works in a digital working world. Proven models such as SMART or VOPA+ help to make goals tangible and strengthen collaboration[1][4]. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attractive, realistic and time-bound - so that all projects can be implemented in a comprehensible and binding manner.
A medium-sized company in the mechanical engineering sector, for example, regularly uses open feedback tools to make progress measurable and integrate feedback directly into the team. The result: more clarity, faster decisions and greater motivation in the team.
Establishing a digital culture
Technology alone does not bring about sustainable improvements. Only when trust, transparency and an open error culture are practised can an atmosphere be created in which innovation can flourish[1][7]. An internationally active building materials manufacturer specifically focusses on psychological safety - everyone is allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.
An open learning and development culture is the foundation for digital leadership. Many companies offer their teams digital learning formats or establish mentoring programmes in which experienced colleagues pass on their knowledge. In this way, skills grow with the requirements on a daily basis.
BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized service provider from the IT sector launched an internal mentoring programme in which technically experienced employees pass on their knowledge of agile methods to colleagues who are still learning the ropes. The management level specifically delegates responsibility and thus promotes independent, digital working. Result: Acceptance of change increases measurably, productivity barriers decrease because barriers are broken down and new ideas can be implemented more quickly. The programme is regularly adapted and evaluated in order to achieve the best possible effect.
Challenges and opportunities of digital leadership
The biggest challenge in digital leadership is to get people on board and address their fears. Many teams are sceptical about change because they feel uncertain and burdened.
Digital leadership favours a participative approach. It invites colleagues to get involved, try out new approaches and give feedback. This creates acceptance and innovation becomes a matter of course. A large construction project, for example, uses agile tools to incorporate team and stakeholder feedback directly into the projects - this speeds up processes and increases transparency.
Another example: an internationally active engineering firm relies on digital collaboration platforms. This allows locations to work together on solutions, share knowledge and build networks. The managers actively support the process - they moderate, coach and provide impetus.
BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A planning office significantly increased productivity by establishing a digital learning platform for all employees. The platform contains training videos, virtual workshops and customised learning paths developed by management. The feedback was immediately incorporated into further developments, which led to a sustainable improvement in digital skills. Employees appreciate the opportunity to continue their training flexibly and articulate their own learning needs.
Impulses for your own company
Develop vision and goals together
Make your digital vision transparent and actively involve your team[1]. Communicate clearly why digital changes are necessary and what benefits they will bring. This will create acceptance and motivation for change.
Targeted promotion of digital skills
Every digital transformation requires new skills. Identify skills gaps together with your employees, offer suitable further training and integrate learning into everyday working life[1]. Many companies are focussing on project work here, as this allows knowledge to be directly applied and anchored.
Establishing agile working methods
Digital leadership succeeds when teams work in a self-organised and autonomous manner. Give them room to make decisions, encourage experimentation and create structures in which quick learning is possible. Agile rituals such as daily stand-ups or retrospectives support this approach.
BEST PRACTICE at the customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) An international company installed a digital feedback tool that employees can use to make suggestions for improvement processes. The ideas are collected weekly, evaluated and prioritised in a transparent process. The management recognises that innovative suggestions are being implemented, which strengthens the culture of innovation and increases commitment in the long term.
Accompanying digital leadership through transruption coaching
Many companies turn to my transruption coaching advice because they want to establish digital leadership in their own organisation in the long term. Clients often report a lack of acceptance, unclear objectives or too much control.
In coaching, I support managers and teams in developing a clear vision, creating digital structures and actively addressing resistance. This makes it possible to effectively initiate change processes and trigger a genuine cultural shift.
My analysis
Digital leadership is no longer a trend, but a core competence of every future-proof organisation. It combines technological expertise with human leadership and creates the conditions for innovation, motivation and sustainable corporate success.
Companies that actively practise digital leadership react more flexibly to market changes, involve their teams more closely and gain a clear competitive advantage[3][5]. What counts here is not perfect implementation at the first attempt, but the continuous learning and development process.
Medium-sized companies in particular are faced with the challenge of remaining agile and providing orientation at the same time. Digital leadership offers answers here - if the right framework conditions and the right support are in place.
Further links from the text above:
Haufe Akademie: Digital Leadership: Leading in the digital change [1]
Sauldie: Digital leadership: Successfully navigating change with leadership [2]
StudySmarter: Digital leadership: trends & challenges [3]
ActivateHR: Digital Leadership: Leadership in the digital age [4]
Ben Schulz Partner: Digital Leadership: Definition, competences, practice [5]
Ellrich colleagues: Digital Leadership - Characteristics & Competences [7]
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