The definition of e-leadership is quite intuitive, that is, seeing leadership from a digital perspective. The transformation from leadership to e-leadership shows how digital has integrated into the world of work and everyday life.
Changing a well-established idea is never easy, but it must be done to avoid falling behind and being disadvantaged compared to those who embrace change.
There has always been a gap between users and experts in the IT and digital fields, and that’s why e-leadership emerged, to bridge this knowledge gap. To acquire the right digital skills and become a leader in this field, discover the Digital Marketing Certification by Digital Coach®.
E-leadership: what is it?
E-leadership refers to a figure with great communication skills, someone who can involve colleagues in company initiatives, motivate those around them, and undoubtedly possesses the necessary digital skills. They are a person who is always open to change, always keeping up with technology, and able to inspire this desire for change in others.
They must be highly knowledgeable in the business because by understanding the context they work in, they can better identify the changes brought about by the advent of digital technology. The e-leader is a multifaceted professional, and their profile consists of continuously evolving skills. Skills can be divided into three types:
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Formal skills: acquired in school and university
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Non-formal skills: learned through work experience gained over time
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Informal skills: acquired not only through work but also in daily life, including through programs promoting digitization.
Therefore, the skills that a good e-leader must have are:
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Mastery of digital technology
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Organizational leadership
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Management skills in public administration
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Knowledge of digital processes in public administration.
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Required E-leadership Skills
The leader not only needs digital skills but also needs to pay attention to data and security by using the tools they deem most appropriate for management. The required e-leadership skills are soft skills such as communication, planning, and organization.
Those who possess these skills will be identified as the e-leader of the team and will automatically have the task of bringing out the best in individuals while involving the team in their vision of the future company.
The e-leader must have a future-oriented vision and be able to utilize new technologies not only to optimize the existing but also to anticipate future needs and dynamics.
Therefore, the e-leader must be skilled in effectively managing current and future technological resources with the intention of optimizing costs and time, and effectively managing their team. As for digital skills, the e-leader must know:
- IT security: knowing the main tools for managing online security
- Applications: being familiar with and learning how to use applications in both traditional and mobile-based settings
- Data: being aware of the value of data and knowing the main technological tools for managing and sharing it
- Digital innovation: believing in the potential of digital technology to optimize processes
- Innovation projects: knowing the primary methodologies and processes that characterize digital innovation.
Acquiring digital skills
We often hear about digital skills, but what are they? And why have they become indispensable within companies? Digital skills consist of being adept at using computer tools and are now essential characteristics in the workplace.
Companies classify employees into three levels:
- Basic: employees with low technological knowledge
- Intermediate: individuals who have appropriate digital training to perform tasks using digital tools
- Advanced: professionals in the field, such as computer programmers or digital marketing managers.
While these skills were not necessary in the past, companies are now increasingly looking for users with intermediate to advanced digital skills. There are various methods to learn these skills, including:
- Universities
- Online programs
- Online platforms
- Specialization courses
The important thing is to always keep up with evolution and never fall behind!
Why Bring E-leadership into the Company
The world of work is undergoing transformation due to new technologies, but this change does not only involve technological tools; it changes the role of “leaders,” transforming them into “e-leaders.”
To ensure the success of digital transformation, there must also be a cultural and organizational evolution of the company and the entrepreneur. This is why the role of the e-leader is essential because they can motivate and guide toward change to achieve set objectives.
It proposes a new approach, inspiring both individuals and teams to embrace evolution. The leaders of tomorrow, therefore, must have a strong inclination for innovation, be versatile and adaptable, and, of course, possess digital skills.
Digital leaders have the opportunity to use technology to change the way of doing business:
- by anticipating how the company can excel through the use of technology
- by organizing a clear path of digital transformation.
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E-leadership: innate or learned skill?
There are two theories regarding this subject. Some believe that there is a particular innate attitude, while others argue that even without special talents, one can still emerge and achieve any kind of goal by being committed and highly motivated.
Obviously, there may be a predisposition to the digital world, but everyone can engage and acquire digital skills. A good e-leader must be skilled at explaining, motivating, exerting positive influence, and supporting colleagues in reaching their goals.
Undoubtedly, the best e-leaders are those who have a combination of innate abilities and learned skills. However, not everyone who is already “good at something” has the desire to learn and grow, sometimes due to a lack of curiosity. But knowledge should never be limited, and the thirst for knowledge should never be quenched!
Conclusions
The key points for effective digital leadership are the ability to engage through the digital tools at your disposal, create conditions for experimentation, stimulate and empower, and provide a vision of ultimate goals to be achieved.
A good digital leader must be able to anticipate market trends to optimize time and costs, especially in turbulent periods. The e-leader combines strong organizational and communication skills with digital prowess, thanks to their flexibility towards change and innovation.
To survive in the digital age, it is necessary to develop digital skills, which can lead to great results and satisfaction when guided by experienced hands!
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