Mastering hybrid worlds through digital leadership: The role of agility in fostering innovation

Abstract

We live in a complex and hybrid world in which the digital and physical realms have never been so closely intertwined. Managerial practices are increasingly merging to give rise to more agile approaches that align with the world we inhabit. In this study, we explore the case of xFarm, a scaleup that has developed a unique form of digital leadership to manage the innovation process. This approach allows for the coexistence of both physical and digital dimensions. We identify the key drivers and specific practices that facilitate this hybrid approach. Digital leadership is thus defined as the ability to navigate such complexity and to adapt to the evolving needs of hybrid situations. This study offers three main takeaways that digital leaders can use to manage hybrid environments. These serve as reference points for setting a direction, while specific behaviors should be tailored to the particular field, in line with agile principles.