The existence of contrasting ways of managing people - agile and traditional top-down leadership - creates divergent experiences for employees, also sending mixed messages about what the organisation values. The case for all leaders becoming more agile in their thinking and actions ahead of changing structure in any part of an organisation, when introducing agile ways of working.
The two biggest issues faced by organisations today are the changing business context and the changing people context.
The changing business context
We conducted a Q&A interview with Trevor Sumner, CEO at Perch Interactive, regarding how digital transformation affects the future of retail.
1. Could you introduce yourself and what you do?
During a recent conversation with a family member about the data-age, she shared with me that she never thought there would be so much data at her fingertips -- anything and everything you could ever think of. We both agreed that no matter what “data” was available through online resources, friends, for example, nothing would take the place of experiencing first-hand what you just Googled.
We conducted a Q&A interview with Paul Heywood, Founder and Managing Director of Halcyon Life, regarding resilience programmes and employee engagement.
1. Could you introduce yourself and what you do?
I am Founder and Managing Director of Halcyon Life. Previously, I was IT Director at 3i, a FTSE100 Private Equity firm, and at the law firm Fieldfisher. I have also held senior positions at Allen & Overy, WHSmith, L’Oréal, EY and Ford Motor Company.
Data and culture have a significant part to play in the successful transformation of businesses. Tim looks at how data can be used to affect change and drive value within a business, whilst being cognizant of the culture of the business.
Tim discusses the importance of a roadmap and planning during transformation, emphasising the role of communication. He considers the most important part of communication to obtain buy-in for a transformation.
The first challenges are cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of the matter. The IT sector pretend transformation is all to do with technology (usually the box of tricks they’re selling). They frequently publish blogs and articles to convince you to “transform your business by moving to the cloud”. Most mainstream IT advice will create operational efficiencies at best, but not transform the organisation.
I had a client once with a member on his senior team who was known for his destructive and upsetting behaviour. The team was in disarray, and each of the other members pointed to Charlie as the central cause.
We conducted a Q&A interview with Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, Founder of 'The Power of Staff Networks' and Consultant, regarding staff networks and diversity and inclusion.
Could you introduce yourself and what you do?
We conducted a Q&A interview with Roderic Yapp, Director at Leadership Forces and TEDx Speaker, regarding leadership and the generational gap.
Could you introduce yourself and what you do?