- The game has changed, right?
The world works differently now, doesn't it?
Catalyzed by pandemic restrictions,
the future of work arrived quickly,
driven by our actions and reactions trying to stay safe
and in business.
We engaged our ingenuity to adapt in emergency conditions.
We implemented new digital platforms and applications,
automated and updated workflows.
In many cases, we transformed parts of our business
to keep going and make progress.
We made a shock transition,
and that is the world we live and work in now.
Through 2020 and 2021,
the majority of underlying conditions
were COVID accelerated, but technology generated,
which we have been evolving towards for years.
Before the pandemic,
we strained against the changes
that the fast-expanding Internet of Things were generating.
We resisted updating operations
to be more flexible and responsive
for the data inundating us.
But now we have had to make many upgrades,
and we need to be building digital business skills
to deal with the increased pace and uncertainty
of marketplace developments
that characterize our new reality.
While volatility has decreased,
supply chain disruption is ongoing,
and conditions continue to be unpredictable.
Technology advances cause our business models
to shift or pivot
and customer behaviors to evolve
as people adapt in different ways
to new or updated products and services.
Business problems are more complicated,
requiring sophisticated solutions
that often involve multidisciplinary teams
doing projects, working across silos.
Being responsive and handling these dynamic
and multifaceted situations
means much greater reliance on human inputs and innovation.
This requires our building human-centric skills
that help talent adjust to new conditions,
utilizing the platforms and tools
with open-minded, flexible approaches.
Employees must be able to communicate and collaborate well
to develop and execute relevant solutions.
Working together effectively at the new pace of business
requires greater mutual understanding
and well-developed interpersonal skills.
Executive and managers at every level
are now tasked with building new leadership skills
for the new era of work.
First, to foster a strong corporate culture
and sense of belonging within a community
where trust-based relationships flourish
and help connect workers across silos
in multiple locations.
Leaders need to recognize, manage,
and support people as individuals
and adjust for their preferences as far as possible,
enabling them to perform at their best.
They also need to help employees develop their skills
and self-manage their non-linear career paths.
Well-being is critical to address holistically,
considering a significant increase in mental health issues
related to the pandemic.
This is a different era of business and work.
Transformation is necessary,
which may seem chaotic at times.
And progress will be uneven as we advance,
and we need to anticipate, accept,
and adapt for that along the way.
Developing and practicing these skills
will enable everyone to adjust
to the new environments, expectations, and evolution.
The good news?
This era of work is human-centric,
more personalized and empathetic,
and we are on our way.