Leaders resistant to change: main barrier to digital transformation

Despite all the benefits, digital transformation is a struggle for many organizations and there is no single model for success. In what does exist consensus is that for a digital transformation to be successful, it must be driven by its leaders. In this context, SommerGroup® conducted a survey, published in March by Chile’s leading daily newspaper (El Mercurio), where it consulted which are the main barriers to digital transformation, where 52% of respondents voted for the “resistant leaders option to the change”. CEOs need to move beyond their traditional role and become leaders who understands the potential of new technologies and has the ability to create new business models.

“The leader is the figure responsible for guiding the organization towards Digital Transformation. Therefore, if the leaders have not previously modified their own look with which they observe the world, understand and promote the changes that occur and achieve credibility for the rest of the employees, it is practically impossible. For this, it necessary be open to change, to be receptive to new ways of learning and to be willing to face new unknown areas. Inevitably, the leaders cast their shadow on the organization, and it is precisely for this reason that it is not possible to change the company without changing the shadow that the leader exercises, “explains Ximena Rodríguez, partner and psychologist at SommerGroup®.