Building a Digital Culture – Our Strategies for Creating a Tech-Savvy Workforce
Building a digital culture - strategies for creating a tech-savvy workforce
Technology is pivotal in driving business success in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) consultants, it's our responsibility to ensure that technology isn't just an isolated function within the organisation but an integral part of achieving business goals. To achieve this, creating a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and a shared understanding of goals and priorities throughout the organisation is essential. In this blog post, we'll share tips and insights on creating a digital culture that embraces technology and aligns with business objectives.
A lot of what we've talked about in terms of getting the most out of your Board and tech teams applies to this broader context too.
Start With a Vision
If you want to embed technology in the fabric of your organisation, it's crucial to establish a clear vision that emphasises technology as a business enabler rather than a standalone entity. Communicate this vision to all employees (and do it regularly), highlighting the potential for technology to enhance efficiency, create new revenue streams, and improve customer experiences. You set the foundation for a tech-savvy culture by aligning everyone around this common goal.
Harness the Power of the Two C’s
Break down silos and encourage the two C's – collaboration and communication - between different departments, including tech and business teams. To embed technology, we need to apply it to real-world scenarios. It needs experience and opinions from those using any system regularly so that it can be adapted and made fit for purpose. Establish cross-functional teams that bring together individuals with diverse skill sets and perspectives. This allows for a rounded understanding of technology and business requirements, promoting innovative thinking and more effective problem-solving. Encourage regular communication, knowledge sharing, and joint decision-making to strengthen team bonds.
Develop a Shared Language
Technical jargon can create barriers. Developing a shared language that facilitates effective communication and understanding is essential. Encourage technology professionals to explain complex concepts in simple terms, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to grasp their implications. Likewise, urge heads of departments and people managers to familiarise themselves with basic technological concepts, helping them to give clear direction, field questions and make more informed decisions.
Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
Risk can feel scary. However, the beauty of technology is that it lends itself to experimentation.
Due to the fast-moving pace of the digital world and technology, agility is key in a workforce, and risk feeds into that — leaders in organisations should encourage employees to try new things. However, this approach only works if employees have the skills and confidence to take advantage of the available data and insights. Take a risk by adjusting your talent pool - outside talent from start-ups or digital natives can help inject disruptive thinking while empowering frontline workers such as customer service teams.
Using technologies and insights with a digital mindset can significantly enhance a workforce's knowledge and help them optimise daily tasks. The key is ensuring trust between employee and employer and an open culture that embraces innovation.
Training for All
The most effective way to ensure employees understand technology, the digital world, and its impact on your business is to offer a learning and development (L&D) program that caters to everyone.
Not all employees need to know the ins and outs of the technology you're using; many just need to understand how it applies to their roles. With this in mind, a suite of training programs would be ideal for a workforce to educate them in the areas of tech that they need to know, adding value to their roles. A more targeted approach instead of a one-size fits all approach is less likely to take up valuable time and empower employees rather than disempower them.
In the past, our clients have added their tech training to a Learning Management System. Employees could flex and tap into knowledge at a time that suited them and when they wanted to upskill.
Lead by Example
Actions speak louder than words. You must lead by example and demonstrate the value of technology by actively involving yourself in strategic discussions and decision-making processes. Collaborate closely as Board members with area leaders to understand their challenges and identify technology-driven solutions. By showcasing the impact of technology on your organisation's success, you inspire others to embrace a digital culture.
Our strategies can help your organisation to build a digital culture that bridges the gap between Boards, senior management and the rest of the employee base. It also will help cultivate an open culture that embraces collaboration and communication and increases productivity and innovation.
If you need a CTO to work with you to adapt your culture and encourage employees to embrace technology in your workplace, then we're here to help.