Competencies and Challenges in the Digital Era #256007

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the key technological drivers of digital transformation (AI, Big Data, Automation, IoT) and their impact on industries and job roles.

• Assess their own proficiency level against a framework of critical digital-era competencies.

• Apply strategies to enhance digital fluency, critical thinking, and data literacy in their daily work.

• Develop practices for managing digital well-being, combating information overload, and maintaining focus.

• Foster a mindset of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning (Growth Mindset).

• Navigate the ethical challenges and dilemmas presented by new technologies.

• Create a personal development plan to systematically build their digital-era competencies.

This course is designed for a broad range of professionals who need to remain relevant and effective in a digitally-driven world:

• Professionals and Individual Contributors across all functions who want to future-proof their careers.

• Managers and Team Leaders responsible for guiding their teams through digital change.

• Project Managers and Agile Coaches facilitating digital projects.

• HR and Learning & Development Professionals designing upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

• Senior Leaders and Executives seeking to understand the human implications of digital strategy.

• Anyone feeling the pressure of digital change and wanting to gain control and confidence.

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a binder containing a copy of the presentation
• slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Day 1: The Digital Landscape and Its Impact

• Morning Session: Understanding the Digital Revolution

  • Key Technologies Reshaping Our World: AI, Machine Learning, Automation, IoT, Blockchain.

  • The Fourth Industrial Revolution: What it means for business and society.

  • Case Studies: Digital Disruption in Action (e.g., Netflix vs. Blockbuster, Airbnb vs. Hospitality).

• Afternoon Session: The Future of Work and Jobs

  • How Jobs are Evolving: Automation vs. Augmentation.

  • The Shift from Fixed Roles to Skills-Based and Project-Based Work.

  • Self-Assessment: “Digital Era Readiness” diagnostic to identify personal strengths and gaps.

Day 2: Core Competency 1 – Cognitive Agility & Digital Literacy

• Morning Session: Mastering Information and Data

  • Combating Information Overload and Digital Distraction.

  • Foundations of Data Literacy: Understanding, Interpreting, and Communicating with Data.

  • Critical Thinking in the Age of Misinformation and AI-Generated Content.

• Afternoon Session: Enhancing Digital Fluency

  • Beyond Literacy: Proficient use of Digital Collaboration Tools (Slack, Teams, Miro).

  • Understanding the Basics of Coding, UX, and Digital Design Thinking.

  • Workshop: A hands-on “Digital Tool Safari” to explore and evaluate new collaboration platforms.

Day 3: Core Competency 2 – Social & Emotional Intelligence

• Morning Session: Collaboration in a Digital-Hybrid World

  • Building Trust and Rapport without Physical Proximity.

  • Mastering Digital Communication: Asynchronous vs. Synchronous, Tone, and Etiquette.

  • Leading and Participating in Engaging Virtual Meetings.

• Afternoon Session: Cultivating a Digital Mindset

  • The Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: Embracing Learning and Failure.

  • Adaptability, Resilience, and Comfort with Ambiguity.

  • Activity: A virtual team simulation focusing on building trust and resolving a ambiguous challenge remotely.

Day 4: Core Competency 3 – Proactive & Ethical Leadership

• Morning Session: Self-Leadership and Digital Well-being

  • Managing Digital Burnout and Maintaining Focus (Deep Work principles).

  • Creating Healthy Digital Boundaries between work and personal life.

  • The Importance of Continuous Learning (Upskilling/Reskilling) and Creating a Personal Learning Plan.

• Afternoon Session: Navigating Ethical Challenges

  • Data Privacy, Security, and Digital Citizenship.

  • Algorithmic Bias and the Ethical Use of AI.

  • The Digital Divide: Accessibility and Inclusion.

  • Debate: Discussing real-world ethical case studies (e.g., facial recognition, employee monitoring).

Day 5: Integration and Future-Proofing Your Career

• Morning Session: Synthesizing Competencies for Impact

  • Solving Complex Problems using a digital-first approach.

  • Cultivating Creativity and Innovation in a Digital Context.

  • Capstone Activity: Participants work in teams to solve a futuristic business challenge using the competencies learned throughout the week.

• Afternoon Session: Personal Strategy and Action Planning

  • Developing a Personal Brand in the Digital Era.

  • Building and nurturing a Professional Learning Network (PLN).

  • Final Workshop: Each participant creates a detailed, actionable “Digital Era Competency Development Plan” for the next 6-12 months.

  • Course Recap and Commitment Circle.