Now that more and more people are working anywhere and anytime, new, digital leadership styles are taking on a new role in companies. The concept of digital leadership — i.e. the digital leadership of hybrid teams — is also becoming increasingly important. Specifically, this management style includes digital measures to better manage hybrid teams. If you also work in a hybrid setup, we have some tips for you.
Key facts
- A digital or hybrid management style has become all the more important in times of asynchronous communication & hybrid work.
- It offers the opportunity to use digitization to manage teams that work from one another regardless of location.
- Find out in our white paper what constitutes a hybrid management style & what is important for employees.
Definition of digital leadership
At first glance, the concept of digital leadership seems very theoretical. But it has long been integrated into the daily work of many companies. This management style describes the integration of opportunities and challenges of digitization in a virtual or hybrid working environment.
It is aimed primarily at executives and management in your company. It describes the ability to lead a company or team through digital transformation while promoting innovation, agility, and a continuous learning and corporate culture.
The importance of digital leadership
Our work processes are becoming more and more digitalized. Hybrid work has reinforced this way of working even more. The switch between home office and office is based heavily on basic technological requirements. Project management or communication tools are becoming increasingly important.
But these represent just a few gears in a big picture. Because also organizationally and culturally A lot needs to change. So does the management style. And this is where digital leadership comes in.
In a hybrid set-up, managers must do a few things differently than before in order to get employees excited about the new work model, maintain motivation and retain them to the company. At the same time, managers must also learn to trust and see a different understanding of visibility and productivity. In short: Old ways of thinking must be thrown overboard!
Digital leadership: Which competencies are required?
Managers in the hybrid work model face the challenge of leading teams that work both in the office and remotely. Here are a few key elements that are important for leaders in this environment:
- Communication: Clear and regular communications is critical to ensuring that all team members are informed and engaged. Leaders must establish effective communication channels that are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they work.
- Flexibility: Hybrid work models require a high degree of flexibility from managers. They must be open to adjustments to working hours and methods and promote a culture that focuses on results rather than presence.
- Trust and autonomy: It is important to trust employees and give them autonomy in their work. This promotes personal responsibility and productivity, particularly when team members are not physically present in the office.
- Technology Support: Leaders must ensure that all team members are equipped with the necessary technological means to work together effectively from different locations. This includes providing training and support for technical issues.
- Inclusion and equality: Particular attention must be paid to ensuring that no employees are disadvantaged because they work remotely. Leaders should work proactively to include corporate culture to create that values and involves all team members equally.
- Results-based performance evaluation: Evaluation systems must be designed to measure performance based on results achieved and not on time spent in the office.
- Health and wellbeing: Leaders must keep an eye on the wellbeing of their teams and develop strategies to reduce stress and support a healthy work-life balance.
- Continuous learning: In a rapidly changing work environment, managers must be prepared to continuously learn and adapt. They should also encourage their teams to develop new skills and continue their education.
- Leadership presence: Despite the physical distance, managers must be present, whether through regular virtual meetings or an occasional presence in the office.
Managers play a central role in the change process
Digital leadership is not a passing trend, but a decisive factor for success in the modern business world. The ability to lead digital transformations and seize the resulting opportunities will determine the competitiveness of companies. Anyone who sets the course now and develops the necessary competencies in their management team will be able to actively shape the future and reap the benefits of the digital economy.
