Why digital transformation needs a heart

Abstract

Three technology-driven forces are transforming the nature of management. Automation is making it more and more possible for companies to do work without humans involved. Data-driven management supplements intuition and experience with data and experimentation. Resource fluidity matches tasks to the people who can best perform them, whether inside or outside the organization. Taken together, these three forces are helping leaders rethink the way work is organized and managed. Computers can diagnose situations and identify challenges that humans don't see. Real-time information makes it possible to run experiments rather than guessing what might work. On the whole, these forces will help managers to increase productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction in the coming years. However, if you lead a traditional company, be careful not to let these forces push your management approach to extremes.