IPB University Rector Explains the Importance of Young Generations Having Digital Leadership Skills for the Future

IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria, is encouraging young people to learn and hone digital leadership skills during the month of Ramadan. According to him, digital leadership is crucial to respond to global challenges, especially post the Covid-19 pandemic. Young people who possess these skills are seen as able to bring about change and progress for the nation.

He explained this during the Gotong Royong Ramadhan 2024 event with the theme ‘Collaboration to Realize Future Leadership’ held online on 31/03. “A digital leader is able to demonstrate the characteristics of an outstanding leader and can be a role model for the next generation,” said Prof Arif.

“In short, a digital leader can combine conventional leadership abilities with transformational management and good digital leadership,” he said.

Prof Arif further explained that there are four skills required for a digital leader. These skills include cognitive skills such as communication skills, business skills such as operational management, interpersonal skills such as negotiation skills, and strategic skills such as vision.

“We can learn from developed countries like Japan, for example, where communication skills are one of the most important skills, and we must begin to realize how important this skill is,” he continued.

He believes that vision, strategy, and good execution by a digital leader are key factors for success. “These two things, especially vision, are things that can differentiate Indonesia from other countries so that it can progress,” he said.

He shared some requirements for having a good vision, namely having a new mindset, namely a digital mindset. “A digital mindset is a special characteristic of a transformative digital leader because they can see digitalization as an opportunity for innovation,” he said.

“To reach the top, we need skills, but to be able to stay at the top, we need character, and this character is formed from a digital mindset,” said Prof Arif.

He revealed that other factors that determine digital leadership are perseverance, innovation and future practice, ability to inspire, agility, strategy as a form of journey, and trust. (MW/Lp) (IAAS/Hap)