The Digital Leader

ABSTRACT Technology has converted the world into a small global village aided by rapid trends in globalization within the last few decades. When technology is applied to effectively improve business processes, it is referred to as Digital Transformation. When the technology is applied within the Energy or Oil and Gas Industry, it is usually called Digital Oilfields Transformation. Conversely, when it is applied in the banking industry it is called Digital Banking Transformation. Regardless of the sector of human existence that technology is applied; the principle of digital transformation remains unchanged and the naming is captured to reflect that segment of business. This book aims at defining the impact of effective leadership in the concept of Digital Transformation following failures of such projects, globally. The leader in this context of Digital Transformation is a change agent or someone leading the delivery and sustenance of the Digital Transformation solutions, including the change management processes which constitute the key reason for the project survival. The fast changing global technological advancements within the last decade has heightened the need in finding a framework that will assist in identifying effective leadership style in Digital Technology implementation. Poor framing of the implemented Digital Transformation solutions has been identified as the key reason behind failure of such projects and strong leadership is central in getting this initiative right, the first time. Whenever technology is successfully deployed within an organization, it initially triggers disruption in the organizational ecosystem which permeate the entire facet of the business. An orchestrated change management process through effectively leadership style is required to mitigate and align the impact of such disruptions to the business objective and ensure a flawless project implementation resulting in customer benefit realization and profitability for the organization. This process of orchestrated change management demands effective leadership that is grounded in Digital Transformation concept, theories and best practices leading to a flawless project implementation through effective change management process. In this instance, the research process includes carrying out relevant literature review to establish existing trends on the subject. Then evaluation of real life personal experiences through interview of experts within the space of Digital Transformation. The result of this study and findings show that Visionary Leadership style with compelling innovative strategy is effective for a full-suite Digital Transformation solution delivery. The identified leadership style has been central in achieving the right embedment of the new work culture for the organization and benefits sustainability through effective organizational change management within the chosen business ecosystem. The objective of publishing this book remains to find out what effective digital leaders are doing right that set them apart in successful digital solutions delivery and management. Data from this study (with sixty-seven percent of respondents) support a hybrid leadership model for a successful digital transformation initiative that should compose of leadership traits with effective vision, innovation and strategy, which should shape the direction for the Digital Transformation implementation and management, post go-live. This book proposed a hybrid leadership style (visionary, innovative and strategic) as the effective leadership style for digital transformation implementation based on the findings of the research which addresses the research question. Though solutions for any digital transformation initiative are asset specific and not one-size-fits-all or plug-and-play; this work will be beneficial as a quick reference tool for similar digital transformation project implementation, benefits sustainability and continuous business improvement process for any organization or business that is ready for the business challenges of the fourth industrialization revolution and truly wants to harness the full benefit of Digital Transformation.