An apt description of this ambiguity promised by the future is found in the words of a famous movie character - Yoda, from Star Wars. In his words, ‘Difficult to see, always in motion is the future’. While it is difficult to see what the future will be, there is one thing we know, almost for sure - it will be shaped, and therefore put in motion, by technology.

The way technology is becoming a part of our present and our future, almost makes it difficult for us to remember a time without it. If you think about it, technology is everywhere. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go back to sleep, the transformative impact of technology is felt by each one of us in big and small ways. The most exciting, though unnerving, part of it? This is just the beginning!

With new technologies emerging at a lightning speed, the future of technology is far more empowering than its present. From changes enabled by growing access to mobile internet and big data to the intriguing impact of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, a new era of transformation is already underway. In the midst of this ongoing technological revolution, the big question facing all organizations and leaders today is - how do they lead and not merely survive a future shaped by technology? How do they turn novel challenges into opportunities for growth?

The answer lies in two key ingredients:

1. Awareness of disruptive technologies; and
2. The ability to integrate technology with human talent

The first sounds fairly simple, but zoom in, and soon one can see how complex and demanding this task can be. Staying abreast of new and emerging technologies is a highly specialized ask. Regardless of the industry, the role of tech is no longer a supporting role. It is the much-needed hero sitting at the center of innovation and change. While leaders of the future need not all be coding experts, they need to, at the very least, have a robust understanding of technology, its impact, and the potential to derive benefits from it. Given the increasing demand for leaders who appreciate these nuances, more and more C-level positions are being added to the Information and Technology department.

The second critical element in a future dictated by ‘smart’ technologies is the ability to step back and examine how to enable change in the process. Future-ready leaders are not overwhelmed by emerging technologies. Instead, they are already thinking of ways to integrate them into their workforce, in a way that optimizes the capabilities of both. While nothing can replace the human element, technology can help leaders and organizations make smarter organizational decisions. This requires a human centric approach to technology – putting human beings in the centre of every decision & action while viewing technology as an enabler of human achievement. As automation takes over, leaders should be able to assess how and which technology complements the human qualities of ingenuity, creativity, and social interaction.

Embracing the Future of Technology

As companies and individuals make their way through what is called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is essential to remember that there are two sides to every story - every unforeseen change can also be a new opportunity. Organizations and leaders who do not keep up with some of the major tech trends, run the risk of being left behind. But there is almost always an advantage for those who choose to embrace this unrelenting change, equip themselves with the relevant knowledge, and decide to move forward anyway.

They say the best way to predict the future is to create it. Leaders today have the opportunity not just to witness disruption but lead it by being technology-fluent – anticipating opportunities and threats, and embracing the transformative possibilities of the right technology. So, are you ready for the future of technology?