How can we ensure that technology meets everyone’s needs? How do we avoid creating “digital refugees” and bring along the whole of society?
Tech companies have acknowledged this challenge, but it will take all of us – big tech, the rest of the business community, government and educators – to solve it.
Inclusive leadership creates long-term value
People want and expect business leaders to engage with and help to solve society’s biggest problems, such as addressing the digital divide so technology benefits all. They want active leadership that places sustainability above short-termism.
So how are leading companies doing this? In my experience, there are three key areas of focus for improving inclusion:
- Understanding data and embracing new technologies: Top technology investments over the past two years have been AI, the cloud, data analytics and the Internet of Things. Having core teams of technology and data specialists is one thing; building tech and data “literacy” across the rest of the workforce is another. You need both to challenge the status quo and reimagine the future.
- Adopting a learning mindset: Given the speed of change, it can be a challenge to keep up. What’s needed is a mindset of lifelong learning in every generation. We all need to be curious, to experiment, to wonder. Learning, evolving, adapting: these are critical skills for the future.
- Seeking diversity: With so much in flux, the best solutions are going to come from a meld of diverse viewpoints. And the best way to build an environment where different perspectives are voiced is to encourage people to bring their authentic selves to work – and to support them when they do.
I believe spreading economic growth more evenly is a key issue of our times. Leaders who embed these qualities in their workforce are setting the foundations for inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the future, for the good of all stakeholders.
When will you move long-term value from ambition to action? Join EY to discuss pressing economic and social issues as we look to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020 – from 21-24 January. Join the conversation via ey.com/wef and using #WEF20 and #BetterWorkingWorld
Summary
Inclusive leadership helps companies achieve their purpose, foster growth and build long-term value – all building blocks of the kind of sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders.