Originally published by Center for Creative Leadership
Written by Anand Chandrasekar & Elisa Mallis from Center for Creative Leadership, published in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce-Singapore (AmCham Singapore), supported by HRM Asia, pymetrics and Thrive HR Exchange.

NEW STUDY REVEALS LEADERSHIP SHIFTS SINGAPORE ORGANISATIONS MUST MAKE TO BRING ABOUT SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

This CCL report examines the current state of Digital Leadership in Singapore and highlights the need for improved digital transformation management. It which provides a holistic picture of what is really needed to continuously drive digital transformation in Singapore and around the region.

This white paper, co-written with the American Chamber of Commerce-Singapore (AmCham Singapore) and supported by HRM Asia, Pymetrics, and Thrive HR Exchange, identifies areas of strength and development on nine key digital leadership roles. They are Future Seeker, Business Shaper, Customer Champion, Ecosystem Builder, Organization Transformer, Innovation Accelerator, Talent Maker, Culture Catalyst, and Engagement Energizer. This work was informed by data collected through 179 surveys and 19 interviews. All participants in the study were senior leaders who oversee, have responsibility for and play a role in their organization’s digital transformation efforts.

The findings revealed a low- to mid-level of ability in performing all the roles associated with digital leadership. More specifically:

• Alignment stands out as a priority that must be addressed to accelerate the ability to lead digital transformation in Singapore. It is key as it develops the right environment for success, prototypes to show leaders new ways, and new habits in real business situations. Such areas include using agile methods to develop innovative solutions, using digital to promote mutually beneficial activities with partners, and developing capabilities to deliver digital changes.

• The role of Innovation Accelerator scored the lowest, underscoring how leaders continue to be risk-averse, less ready to allow for and learn from failures.

• The roles of Customer Champion and Engagement Energizer scored the highest, highlighting that leaders place customers at the center of digital transformation and encourage positive employee experience toward digital and digital tools.

• Bridging the digital talent gap is another area that needs to be addressed. While commitment towards digital is high, more effort is needed in the role of Talent Maker to foster a culture of keeping digital talent and equipping people to develop digital knowledge.

The paper concludes with recommendations in policy areas where Singapore should focus – Education, Talent, and Support.

If you would like to learn more about Digital Leadership, participate in an upcoming virtual panel discussion with leaders from Citi, Luxasia, pymetrics and CCL as we share the key findings and also hear about the latest practices, technology, and recommendations that will enable HR to drive impactful digital transformation.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®), a Partner of Thrive HR Exchange, is a top-ranked, global provider of leadership development. By leveraging the power of leadership to drive results that matter most to clients, CCL transforms individual leaders, teams, organizations, and society. Our array of cutting-edge solutions is steeped in extensive research and experience gained from working with hundreds of thousands of leaders at all levels.