At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years. In today’s era of volatility and agility there is no other way but to re-invent – John Chambers

The world is a much-changed place since a certain virus took us all by surprise. Business had to continue, but as Kate Smaje, Senior Partner at McKinsey explains, “COVID-19 launched the greatest behavioural change in our lifetime. We vaulted five years in the adoption of digital in just eight weeks. This great digital migration has forced every company into a massive experiment in how to be more nimble, flexible and fast.”

We all learnt new skills, becoming dexterous digital masters able to perform tasks with agility and efficiency. As we adapted to hybrid work, we had to embrace tech, really getting to grips with the benefits it provides.

According to the Harvard Business Review, the pandemic showed that digital dexterity is one of the key elements — if not the most important workforce skill — needed to prosper. “Face-to-face interactions, paper-based processes, and analogue tasks all failed during the pandemic and were replaced with digital constructs.”

WHAT IS DIGITAL DEXTERITY?

Digital dexterity is about building a tech-friendly business culture. The keyword in the mix? Culture.

The key element of any new tech project, product rollout, or change in the way things are done requires a workforce willing to fully engage with new technology, adapt their work style to include it, and quickly learn how it fits into the overall mission of an organisation.

No matter what new technology or process a company decides it needs to switch to, the change will not happen if employees do not fully engage with it.

In the area of digital travel content, and particularly digital dexterity in travel content, this means leveraging the Wetu platform, whether you’re a supplier or in the distribution channel.

Update your content if you’re a supplier, including the best photos and videos you have to offer. If you’re a tour operator, DMC or travel agent, use the Itinerary Builder to showcase the travel offer professionally, so you stand out from the crowd.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DIGITAL DEXTERITY

1. High tech ability

Technology is evolving rapidly and those in the workspace must apply their minds to the array of digital platforms and tools that will further enhance and optimise their current business landscape.

Don’t skimp on keeping your workforce trained. Make sure your staff are 100% on board with whatever you’ve added to your tech stack.

2. Being open to new ways of doing things

Work and commerce have effectively been digitalised, and with this seismic shift comes the need for you to turn technology into an opportunity.

Explain the advantages of the technological tools you’re using from the perspective of the user – how it is going to save them time, trouble, streamline their work day, etc.

3. Flexibility

Things change so rapidly, and now more than ever we need to be quick on the draw and able to pivot our game plan in response to external factors.

Create recorded video tutorials and templates that are housed in a shared drive with a playbook to make it easily searchable, so that your teams have what they need at their fingertips.

TIPS TO BECOME MORE DIGITALLY DEXTEROUS

  • Leaders must be at the helm of the adoption of digital dexterity.
  • New roles can be created to promote digital dexterity.
  • Surveys are a great way to understand employee mindset.
  • Have workshops with industry experts.
  • Digital dexterity must become the norm with regular training.
  • Get started with small teams and tech influencers.
  • Get the team onboard and motivate them to upskill with tech knowledge.

The implementation of digital dexterity is a solution where everyone gains. Not only are there opportunities to boost efficiency, productivity and collaboration in the workplace, but employees can benefit individually by becoming tech-savvy.

The last 10 years of IT have been about changing the way people work. The next 10 years of IT will be about transforming your business – Aaron Levie, CEO of Box.

Sharing is caring...