What Digital Leadership promised—and what it delivered
“Live is live—even online.” That was our credo in 2020. Back then, when we were in the middle of the pandemic, optimizing our webcam and studio setups, and everyone was scribbling on virtual whiteboards with a mix of curiosity and technical overwhelm. And that is exactly why we wrote a book back then: Live Goes Online. One that was meant to show: Online doesn’t just “work”—online works really well if you know how.
Today, almost five years after the publication of Live Goes Online, it is time for an honest review. Which of our theses on digital leadership have stood the test of time? What became the new normal—and what remained wishful thinking?
Spoiler: A lot still holds true. Some things have evolved rapidly. And some things surprised even us.
1. Back then: Our theses on Digital Leadership
We were certain: Anyone who wants to lead must be digitally competent. And not only technically, but also humanly. Our tips ranged from proper camera framing to situational leadership in the home office. Here are a few classics:
- Trust instead of control (greetings to Reinhard Sprenger)
- The leader as an influencer (at least a little)
- Feedback, feedback, feedback (and feedforward)
- Cameras on! Not negotiable—even in pajamas.
- Digital tools? Yes, please. But not 17 at the same time.
2. Today: The assessment
What became of it? A brief (not entirely representative, but honest) assessment:
What we recommended… …and what it looks like today
- Trust leads. Practiced in many teams. But the obsession with control is dying slowly.
- Leadership takes time. 1:1 conversations are taken more seriously—but only if there is time.
- Digital presence matters. Camera, lighting, sound: better for some. Honestly, though, we are currently seeing almost a reversal: less and less attention is being paid to a professional on-camera presence.
- Clear ground rules and tools. They exist. Sometimes even twice or three times over.
- Leaders’ technical competence. Many are more capable. Others still print out emails (or wonder what the moderator mode buttons in Teams are for).
3. What has been added
Five years is a small eternity in the digital space. So here are a few topics that were still under the radar back then—but today definitely belong on the playlist:
- Hybrid work is no longer a nice-to-have, but everyday reality—and often everyday chaos, too.
- Psychological safety is becoming more important than the perfect PowerPoint.
- Artificial intelligence is currently changing not only how we work, but also how we lead—and faster than many would like.
- Digital exhaustion is real. Leadership today also means: “Allowing people to take a break” instead of “keep going”
4. What still holds true today, just as it did then
Some things change. Some things stay. And that is a good thing. Some of our 2020 theses are more relevant than ever today—perhaps because they are not “digital,” but simply what good leadership is about. Here are a few evergreens:
- Trust is the currency of good leadership. Anyone who still thinks control is better has never understood working from home.
- Leadership requires relationships. And relationships take time. That applies in the Teams room just as much as in the office kitchen.
- Role model beats directive. Those who present themselves professionally and likeably in virtual settings have more influence than any checklist.
- Clarity beats technology. Even with three tools too many and 17 Slack channels, teams need orientation—not tool tips.
- Feedback remains a leadership responsibility. Regularly, constructively, and not only in the annual review.
In short: Good leadership is like good coffee—even digitally, it should wake you up, warm you, and taste good.
5. And now?
Digital Leadership is here to stay. But it will keep evolving—and faster than large-scale training programs can be planned. Anyone who wants to lead today must be able to do three things:
- Build connection—despite the screen.
- Provide orientation—even when everyone is only reacting.
- Learn, learn, learn—especially about yourself.
And if we are honest: The era of pure webinar heroes is over. Now it is about confidently weaving the digital and the analog worlds together. This is not a question of technology, but of mindset.
Conclusion
In 2020, we said: “Digital Leadership will become the standard.” In 2025, we say: “Digital Leadership is a craft—one that we can all learn to do even better.” And that is exactly what we are happy to help you with. With humor, plain talk—and a stable internet connection.
