Leading Africa into the 4th Industrial Revolution
You either disrupt or get disrupted
The intensity and depth of the effect of technology in influencing the way we work, live and relate to each other is more severe during the 4th industrial revolution than ever before.
How do we go about dealing with this change? as a people, as business executives and overall influencers in our respective fields of influence?
In Africa, the concept and history behind the 4th Industrial revolution is very vague.
“Why is it called the 4th industrial revolution? So what does the 1st industrial revolution look like?” — A common question that will rise up in every conversation about the matter.
The ambiguity is worse to the African leaders. There is neither a clear understanding nor a relevant concept.
The revolution is taking form in Africa. It is slowly being adopted by the youth of this century.
The biggest fear, however, is Africa ready? If there aren’t strategies and enough insights about what is the industrial revolution, jobs will replace human capital. policies will make it difficult for youth and tech geeks to grow and create what they want with this uprising technology.
Sahara Sparks is calling out to all the leaders across the continent, to be part of the 2019 Sahara Sparks event In Dar es Salaam themed: Africa in the 4th Industrial revolution. An entire panel discussion is set aside about policies and Leadership in Africa 4.0
This is the type of revolution in which all leaders should be prepared for. Some leaders think they are prepared. But are they really?
According to Deloitte’s inaugural survey held in 2018, there are four leadership personalities that are likely to navigate their people, companies, and governments gracefully during the 4th industrial revolution shift.
- Social supers, These are the type of leaders that are driven by the impact their initiatives bring to the community. They are driven with positive social results and with that personality they believe they are ready for the revolution.
- Data-driven decisions, these are the leaders that make decisions based on Data. For them, adapting to new technologies and invest in long term technological tool is possible as long as there is data that proves the significance
- Disruption drivers. These are the leaders with a much holistic approach to decision making. More than any other type, these leaders are very confident when it comes to taking the lead in the 4th industrial revolution. They are well known as disrupters
- Talent champions. The leader who takes the responsibility in investing to their people with the relevant skills and knowledge of the industrial revolution. They are confident with their workforce and they are great coordinators when it comes to assigning and delegating work for their people.
So, which one are you? either of these personalities can be you, but as a leader, you are required to be intentional about which leadership approach best suits you in relevance to your personality.
Most importantly, the leaders of today’s era need to massively invest in learning about the 4th industrial revolution.
Remember; you either disrupt or get disrupted
