A Framework for the Future Proof® Enterprise
At the nexus between an old and a new year, it makes sense to take stock of which approaches to business, markets and the workforce still work, and which have become stale. We are in an era marked by disruption. New leadership models and organizational structures are absolutely vital for businesses striving to take advantage of new opportunities and challenges.
The speed with which knowledge is created, processed and shared across the globe is defining the strength of organizations and economies. Innovation is no longer limited to the ‘visionaries.’ It’s an imperative for any business seeking to keep pace with changes.
The Organizational Agility Framework
In this evolving global business environment, leaders need to anticipate the future and guide a workforce that is able to collaborate, create and preadapt to market changes. An Organizational Agility Framework is a set of six interconnected components that enable these leaders to build a Future Proof® structure able to thrive in the new economy.
1. Strategy
To operate with the rapid pace of change and disruption, organizations must build a clear, purposeful and adaptive strategy that is focused on outcomes and built with purpose. Doing so requires that leaders step out of their current bias’ to look forward and ask ‘what if’ so they can lay a fresh foundation for continuous improvement.
2. Structure
The structure of the Knowledge Age organization has evolved dramatically from the top-down model of the Industrial Age. A new decentralized leadership structure has emerged to empower the workforce, broaden leadership, and enable and empower collaboration, innovation, and agility. With it, everyone inside the organization has the ability and opportunity to produce value and collaborate to approach challenges and opportunities with new perspectives.
3. People
As diverse teams and individuals are empowered, enabled, and aligned around the purpose and core values, the organization is better positioned for creativity. The 21st Century is the first era in which it is possible for as many as four generations to be working side-by-side, so coaching and mentoring have taken on a new importance. With intelligence flowing in every direction throughout the organization, its people become more knowledgeable and capable of creating real value.
4. Process
Aligned closely with strategy, process must be designed and aligned to enable agility and innovation. Rather than being built to drive compliance to dictated progress, process has become a way for the organization to address opportunities and challenges, and to mature concepts into fully implemented solutions quickly and successfully.
5. Technology
Technology is both enabler and beneficiary of so much of the work that is securing the future for today’s businesses. The massive flow and exchange of information has reduced the time necessary to transform concepts into actualized resources. And the data generated by this constant exchange represents a robust intelligence resource for ongoing ideation.
6. Relationships
Technology has given us access to the greatest level of human connectedness we’ve ever experienced. Whether across screens or across tables, cross-generational, cross-cultural, cross-capacity engagement strengthens teams and matures organizations. It gives each member of your workforce a heightened sense of investment in the values and goals driving your business forward.
Strong organizations are equipped to achieve goals with speed and purpose. Businesses that understand how to build a framework around these key elements will be those that remain well equipped to keep pace with change, even as it continues to accelerate.
It’s time to build a Future Proof® organization.
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