Advances in digital technology and their use in organizations carry huge promise to empower people at all levels. Social media and collaboration tools not only open the door to faster and more extensive knowledge-sharing, but they also enable conversations that skip levels, silo-busting, and self-organization. Big data and analytics can make organizations more efficient and agile by empowering middle-level and far-flung managers to make decisions and seize business opportunities that previously required scarce data and executive approval. But without an organization-wide understanding of what’s good for the business and what’s not, these powerful tools can be dangerous. Empowerment—in whatever form—requires alignment around purpose, strategic intent and the boundaries within which decisions can be made. Otherwise, it could result in confusion, contradictory behaviors and chaos.
How Smart CEOs Use Social Tools to Their Advantage
It’s not about signing up for Twitter.
March 09, 2015
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.