Is Your C-Suite Digitally Ready? How to Assess and Improve Skills

Have you ever been in a board meeting where every conversation circles back to tech jargon, from AI to digital ecosystems? Everyone nods along, but you’re only half sure you get it. Well, you’re not alone. Today’s executives face a fast-paced digital world where technology is king, and understanding it is no longer merely optional. Says Saatva’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Evan Huston, “Too often, business leaders operate by gut feel without the science part, which lowers their win rate” (CIO). You’ve got to know enough to make informed decisions, predict industry swings, and move your business forward. Whether you’re fluent in tech or still finding your footing, building digital skills can be your edge.

The Importance of Digital Fluency for C-Suite Executives

Fluency and literacy are not the same things. Digital fluency means being flexible and creative with digital tools, while digital literacy is simply knowing how to use them. According to global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, companies that excel in digital innovation view it as a key growth driver and recognize the necessity of tech-savvy leadership for success in competitive markets. Digitally fluent executives are better armed to lead transformations, make sound decisions, and anticipate the risks and rewards associated with new technologies.

For C-suite members, fluency involves seeing how tools like data analytics, AI, and cloud computing (to name a few) fit into broader goals. Digitally fluent leaders can find ways to simplify processes, support growth, and keep their organizations adaptable.

Assessing Digital Skills in the C-Suite

Building digital fluency starts with evaluating current skills. Begin by reflecting on these key areas:

1. Understanding of Emerging Technologies: Staying abreast of tools like machine learning, blockchain, and digital customer platforms will be a game changer. You should have baseline knowledge of these technologies to understand their potential influence on workflow and strategy.
2. Engagement in Digital Strategy Discussions: Beyond “knowing” technology, are you purposefully leading discussions on how it supports company goals? This practice is essential in terms of developing a digital strategy.
3. Identifying and Mitigating Risks: Digital transformation brings risk in areas like security and privacy. Anticipate and plan for these challenges as you implement new technology.

Reflecting on these points will help you identify areas for development. Successful digital transformation requires leaders who grasp both the basics and the strategic implications of tech advancements.

Developing Digital Fluency in the C-Suite

Once you’ve gauged your existing skills, the next step is to actively work to develop digital fluency. Here are some great ways to elevate your organization’s tech proficiency:

1. Reverse Mentoring: Try pairing executives with junior, digitally fluent employees. Senior leaders can learn directly from those who regularly work with new technologies to gain practical insights into current trends. This setup benefits both sides: Junior team members gain visibility and leadership coaching, while executives receive firsthand experience with the latest tools.
2. Participate in Pilot Projects: Small-scale tech projects within departments give executives hands-on experience with digital tools without straining the organization. For example, a pilot AI project in customer support lets executives see AI in action and spot potential challenges early.
3. Engage with Peer Networks: Connect with other executives to exchange digital transformation ideas, share strategies, reduce the learning curve, and discuss common challenges.
4. Prioritize Governance and Security: Successful digital leadership also involves preparing for potential risks. You should understand these risks and put policies in place to protect your organization and your customers. A well-rounded governance approach strengthens digital skills and promotes safer tech adoption.
5. Embrace Ongoing Learning: You can’t expect to master digital fluency in a single step; it’s a continuous process. You’ve got to commit to ongoing education, whether through online courses, certifications, or dedicating time every month to explore tech developments. This commitment makes digital fluency in your organization a long-term priority.

The Path Forward: Progress over Perfection

Many respected companies approach digital transformation in phases, to allow time for adaptation and growth. Leaders can confidently guide their teams by setting achievable goals, remaining flexible, and understanding that returns on tech investments may not be instantaneous.

Creating a digitally fluent C-suite takes time, but by assessing current skills, experimenting with reverse mentoring, initiating pilot projects, strengthening governance, and committing to continuous learning, you can develop the fluency needed to steer your organization through an increasingly complex digital world.

If you’re looking to expand your business’s impact, digital fluency is a pursuit worth undertaking. The skill set will enable you to understand, implement, and guide your organization, technologically speaking. By building fluency, your C-suite can make strategic, informed decisions that support sustainable success even in the face of rapid changes. Start with small steps, seek out learning opportunities, and collaborate with tech-proficient colleagues. Before you know it, you’ll be leading board room tech discussions instead of feeling left behind.