The emergence of digital space in addition to the physical one poses new challenges for people. Now, to achieve the desired result, it is not enough to have the physical dexterity that allows you to drive a car, perform a surgical operation, sew on a sewing machine, etc. It is important to have a special type of skill called digital dexterity. How can you help your company employees to master it? Read the article to see a shortcut to the heights of mastery in managing the latest digital technologies & steps toward how to build improved digital dexterity in developing a workplace or workforce.
What Is the Main Challenge of Mastering Digital Technologies?
The widespread introduction of digital technologies requires switching to them by all company’s employees. It is impossible to train some of them to use digital tools and leave the rest outside the digital space. In this case, there will be a communication gap, followed by a loss of efficiency.
However, not all people are interested in new technologies and are ready to immediately switch to using them. This creates certain difficulties when introducing new technologies both in production and office work. You need patience and creativity to engage all employees and help them develop digital dexterity.
The Notion of Digital Dexterity
The concept of digital dexterity is very closely related to the notion of physical dexterity. The latter is understood as the ability to skillfully use the hands to quickly and successfully complete assigned tasks. Likewise, mastering digital dexterity involves acquiring skills in working with digital technologies. Having developed such a skill once, a person easily copes with using any subsequent technology. This is similar to learning to swim — once a person has the skill of interacting with water, they can subsequently master different swimming styles.
How to Create the Conditions for Developing Digital Dexterity
Step 1. Find Out the Attitude of Employees Towards New Technologies
Conduct a survey among employees to identify attitudes towards the introduction of new technologies. Distinguish three main groups of employees regarding the use of new technologies based on survey results:
- Enthusiasts
- Indifferent
- Opponents
Subsequently, each group should be offered its own set of incentives for mastering digital dexterity. Also, based on survey data, identify factors that hinder the transition to new digital ways of working. Mastery in managing latest digital technologies & steps toward how to build improved digital dexterity in developing a workplace or workforce.
Step 2. Create a Strategic Plan for Mastering Digital Dexterity
Develop a set of initiatives aimed at neutralizing these factors and improving digital dexterity. These can be either introductory conversations aimed at highlighting the advantages of new technologies or practical exercises with those who do not dare to master them on their own.
Step 3. Proceed to Plan Implementation
Organize engaging training sessions for those who need them. Invite charismatic speakers who know how to captivate the audience. Put your employees into small groups and ask them to complete practical tasks together. Working together reduces fears and promotes a faster understanding of new technologies.
When working with those who avoid innovations in digital dexterity, don’t forget about the enthusiasts. They can be given a special role as mentors who will help others. In this way, you will consolidate the team even more and promote the ideals of mutual assistance.
Step 4. Encourage Further Progress of Employees
A person will want to acquire new knowledge or skills when they see their benefits. However, this is not enough to fully motivate employees. It is important to show that each of them can contribute to the further development of the company by offering their innovative solutions. Therefore, encourage employees to not only master new technologies but also make suggestions for their further improvement.
The Bottom Line on How to Build Digital Dexterity
The key to mastering digital dexterity is an interest that can be sparked in a person’s mind. It is the best incentive that encourages a person to move forward despite the rising difficulties. If you get creative with your digital dexterity initiatives, you’ll soon have a united team of enthusiasts ready to take on the most challenging and cutting-edge technologies.
