Justification and foundation of the future-proof bundle
Over the past few years, we’ve experienced that as an organization, you must be able to adapt quickly in an ever-changing market. This is in contrast to many companies that haven’t changed much over the past decades. How do you ensure that your organization is ready for the future? The development towards a future-proof organization can help with that.
A future-proof organization is designed to seize future opportunities, respond effectively to challenges, and adapt in the rapidly changing market when required. They also ensure that they can continuously innovate, both in processes and products. These organizations are decisive, innovative, flexible, and they embrace new ways of thinking, communicating, and creating. A future-proof organization holds a positive vision of the future and embraces the new spirit of the times.
BUILDING A FUTURE-PROOF ORGANIZATION.
It takes time to make your organization future-proof because there are many aspects to consider during the transition. Below are a few components necessary for the initial steps toward a future-proof organization:
Gain an overview of your organizational climate; understand how processes, organizational structure, or policies are built, and what perception your employees have of the organization. The World Economic Forum (WEF) notes that some companies have such complex matrix structures that they function poorly. This can be prevented by not merely adjusting old business models but by replacing them with something radically better. By adjusting the climate within your organization, you can work on changing your organizational culture. It’s important not to immediately adopt a ‘new culture’ but first assess whether it aligns with your organization.
Understand what your employees want; it’s crucial to cater to the needs of your organization’s employees. What kind of people do you have in your organization, and what do they need to bring out their best? Understanding your employees’ needs allows you to create an overview of their talents and skills. Your employees are the pillars of your organization. The more future-proof they are, the more they can contribute to keeping your organization future-proof. If they are flexible, decisive, and innovative, your organization will be too.
Know what society expects from you; What defines us as an organization, what values do we stand for, and who are we? By contemplating these questions, you create an initiative that brings about organizational unlocks and develops new systems that are more goal-oriented, interconnected, or flexible. Organizations that rebuild using traditional analog processes will be surpassed by more forward-thinking competitors. Considering the time it takes to build a winning talent pool, companies must start making their organizations future-proof today.
To achieve a future-proof organization, you need an overview of the current situation, the desired situation, and how to achieve it. It’s important that the approach can be monitored and adjusted in practice. These steps are essential for a significant and lasting impact.
References
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De Smet, A., Gagnon, C., & Mygatt, E. (2021). Organizing for the future: Nine keys to becoming a future-ready company. McKinsey & Company, January 11, 2021.
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Kooij, M. van der., (2020.). Future-proof leadership, a matter of servant leadership. Retrieved on February 9, 2022, from: https://cmweb.nl/2020/06/future-proof-leidinggeven-een-kwestie-van-dienend-leiderschap-belijden/
Mankins, M., Garton, E., & Schwartz, D. (2021). Future-Proofing Your Organization Prepare your team to stay ahead in the post-pandemic world. HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW, 99(5), 42-+. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2021/09/future-proofing-your-organization
Weuring, J. (2020). On the way to a future-proof organization: cultural advice from the new tech sector. About framed freedom, good mistakes, and taking the lead in continuous change. Whitepaper. Retrieved on February 10, 2022, from: https://greatcompanyculture.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/GGC_WhitepaperNewtech_0804.pdf
World Economic Forum (WEF) (2020). The Future of Jobs Report: October 2020. Retrieved on February 15, 2022, from: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2020.pdf
