Well the journey continues , and the truth is the economy is different now. The success we enjoyed years back with less efforts is now quickly disappearing in our eyes. The greatest organizations and people know that the only to prepare for the future is to anticipate change and create strategies and systems which will be able to keep you afloat in tougher times.
High performing organizations through the years have evolved in their spaces based on the following ways in which they ensured their success and growth. below i will share 3 only within a plethora of other many ways in which they grew their business.
Quality Circles:
These we introduced as ways in which people in an organization could appreciate the value chain and also assist in creating better ways of doing things, by saving costs, improving production without hampering quality. The beginning of these process in the early 90's people estimated that about 27.5% within fortune 500 companies and in the late 90's grew to above 57.5%. Looking at those organizations which have survived into the 2000's we can safely assume that the number has grown.
Total Quality Management:
The introduction of this amazing work process , especially with European companies increased output and also quality of production and profitability. The percentages in the early 90's were 24.5% and it grew substantially also and in the late 90's went to as far as 57.2 %. The growth in the new ways of doing business and production not only brought newer opportunities but also challenged the work force to operate at the highest level.
Job Rotation:
understanding the evolution of society and the entry into the job market of a new breed of employees , creating a more rounded employee was paramount to organizational success and also to be able to create a larger pool of talent. People were then afforded opportunities to have a holistic understanding of the value chain by moving them from one department to the other. This created a better appreciation of the blockages they create if they do not play their part in the value chain. What it also did was to also expose people to new disciplines and consequently the mis-placement of people was minimized. This created new organizational cultures and revolutionarised how the future work place would look like.
We quickly entered with the speed of light the dot.com era , which has been exceptionally fast in speed and the need for organizations to adopt. We have seen those who embraced this era survive and those who never saw it coming die. What this era has done not only did it challenge what I call classical thinking but it shook the foundations of nations and industries.
I believe that especially after the 2008 recession people and organizations were bruised and it was the survival of the smallest and fastest and not necessarily the biggest. So many people fell of the cracks , others saw great opportunities for growth. So during this era which many are grappling to understand, you are either part of this change or you will be a victim. So this is the time to do something real and authentic , you have to play at the highest level however this level must be within your PATH.
Below I will share with you 5 Principles you need to follow to Sharpen your Sword to make sue that you not only stay relevant but that you succeed.
1. Invest in your personal skills development:
No longer will the training department or Talent Management come to you and tell you what you need to develop. You must be pro-active and give them your strategy for the duration you believe you will serve the organization. However that is not where it will end, I believe that you must have your global development plan. The skills you need to get to your desired space as a person. You must enlist the skills of a Mentor and a Coach to get you to the top of your game.
2. Leverage your employer's investment:
Each organization has a development budget , however most employees are re-active and not pro-active. Go and engage your developmental or talent management and find out what is available for you to utilize to grow yourself. You will be surprised because not many if ever people approach and ask about the available budget for development. Also leverage some of the relationships they have with other suppliers who might be able to play a role in your development.
3. Create a continuous learning environment both at work and home:
Learning never happens and ends in a class room situation. Create a developmental environment around you which assists you both consciously and sub-consciously to continue learning. Your car stereo instead of music CD's have audio books , at home instead of spending time on soapies watch educational programs. Inspire your children to read and also watch developmentally focused tv programs and also include in the ipods etc audio books.
4. Long term and short term skills:
Know and develop your skills accordingly, know which ones you need immediately and which ones for later.
this should be part of your global skills development plan I mentioned above. Do not waste time in attending courses just for the sake of attending , know when and where you will need the skill and work accordingly.
5. Prepare for your 2nd career "real career"
Most people are working jobs they hate because they studied what heir parents told them to and not according to their talents. So if you are within that group and there are hoards of people there statistically it is estimated at above 70%. So learn the skills you will need to make your long term dream come true. So this is the time to use the resources in your disposal to really prepare for your chosen PATH work. It is never too late to do that as long as you have planned thoroughly and have honed the skills necessary for you to do that. I believe that this last principle has to be debated and spoken about openly in organizations. Too many people go on "retirement" be miserable and die prematurely. So re-look at where you are now and then start to work hard on your 2nd career.
I believe the above principles will create a process for you not only to walk the PATH but to ensure that as the journey continues your sword is sharp enough to assist you when you are faced with difficulties.
Change will not come with change agents , we are in the nerve centre of the change itself...but it will happen when we stop talking and start doing.
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