How to thrive in the age of volatility


When’s the last time you did some deep thinking? Digital anthropologist Rahaf Harfoush shared her blueprint on how to navigate tech disruption at the recent UKG Connect event, writes Ledetta Asfa-Wossen.


“


When we talk about emerging technologies, we often focus on the surface changes,” said Harfoush. The changes


that we see. We say this is going to have an impact on recruitment, our security, operations, or marketing. “Technology is moving so fast,


we’re overlooking the deeper, cultural impacts these tools are having on our world and how we see it. If we don’t take the time to understand these hidden and slower changes, we will overlook the impact it is having on our world.” Highlighting the positive and


negative impacts of an increasingly digital world, Harfoush explained how tech is shaping our interactions, self-perception, decision-making and other areas of work.


A NEW WORKING ORDER Harfoush shared a map of the thousands of AI and machine learning companies operating in the sector. “Technology has now become embedded inside every single aspect of the business, every role and every function. When you look at HR, that runs from recruiting and hiring, right through to onboarding, performance management and beyond. What we’re also seeing is technology causing a blending of functional responsibilities.” Five years ago, people could


work in relative silos, and focus on their roles and objectives, she added. “Now, people have to know


a little bit about everything. The leaders of tomorrow will have to


be able to act as a bridge between culture, technology, strategy and people. You can’t just be a tech person and not talk about culture anymore and you can’t be a culture person and not think about tech or strategy, if you want the complexity and expertise to be a leader that thrives in this new economy. And for that – you need a bit of a mindset shift.” Leaders need to possess the


ability to not only absorb shocks but to use these disruptions as fuel for growth and innovation. “Leaders have to cultivate a


deep understanding of digital culture, trends in technology, and the impact of these forces on their organisations and industries. This requires a shift towards a


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GLOBAL LEADERSHIP


TECHNOLOGY


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