When asked what “digital” means, company directors, senior executives, or even educators would respond along the lines of social media.  That was years ago – today, the term means big data, mobile, 3D printing, or automated processes with AI applications.  What’s important, however, is how to effectively lead students, people, and organizations in the digital age. Here are some tips.

Revisit analog-era frameworks as digitalization is fast affecting organizations and replacing traditional physical barriers to entry with intangible ones, from authenticity to trust.  No amount of cash or privileged position in the academe or any industry can fight these forces.

Question all assumptions about the organization’s mission and position in the industry, along with its methods and the overall sustainability of its business model.

Have an intrinsic and sustained desire to learn.  Be curious and open-minded to creatively and innovatively lead the organization to success.  Leaders, after all, have a mission to future-proof their institution, and this entails a lifetime of education and upskilling.

Leading effectively in the digital age means having a nuanced understanding of how people and technology work together.  Maintain a human-centric vision, as people will keep using machines and not the other way around.  Communicate, collaborate, and favor a human-centric student or employee experience.

It’s a great time to take intelligent risks and explore new business models and revenue streams. Don’t be afraid to launch ambitious experiments and take the learnings to heart.