Technology, consumer behaviour and market demand are all shifting sands along the social age’s tide.
Firms have to be nimble to survive and prosper. This is a state-of-mind shift. An ethos. It means becoming a learning organisation. One which recognises change as the only constant.
Here are five pillars on which a firm can build learning and agility as a core competence and so change the way it behaves and operates
#1 Self design
People throughout the organisation figuring out for themselves how to make their teams, units and departments function more effectively, efficient and economically.
#2 Co-creation
Building a behaviours and belief-led firm requires organisational members to help to create the kind of organisation that fits their values. A place where corporate and personal values co-exist.
#3 Failing forward
Failing forward. But failing fast. Trying out new approaches throughout the organisation, learning what works (and what doesn’t). Sharing learning. Not just crowing about departmental successes and burying failures.
#4 From Hierarchy to Networks
Sideways learning among the people who have to learn to work together in different ways.
#5 From events to routines
Make tailoring, innovating, and experimenting ongoing processes throughout the organisation. Constantly nurture new ideas. Tinker with - don’t accept the status quo.
Change is never ‘done’ in this new view of change. Today’s world set marked by its volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. The sands are forever shifting. Firms need to move alongside technology, consumer behaviour and market demand to compete in this new world.
These are short thoughts. For longer, more fully-formed thoughts covering business, public relations and change visit www.sabguthrie.info or sign up to email updates.
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