6 Strategies for Leading People in a Complex Business World

While technology, capital, and infrastructure are crucial components, sustainable success is determined by how well we engage and develop our people.

As Henk-Jan van Hees Managing Partner at Pawlik Consultants International aptly puts it, "Strategy makes it possible. People make it happen." ?

Here are 6 of our new favorite strategies for leading your people to drive sustainable success!

1. Leveraging AI for Personalized Development:

Advanced AI tools can analyze performance data, career aspirations, and skill gaps to offer tailored recommendations for growth. This could include targeted training programs, mentoring opportunities, or project assignments that align with individual career goals. By integrating AI into career development, organizations can provide highly customized pathways that drive engagement and career satisfaction.

A cautionary note: It is essential to implement these systems with a human touch to prevent biases and ensure continued connection.

• AI tools should be reviewed and adjusted by human teams to mitigate risks of discrimination. Human oversight ensures that AI-driven recommendations are fair, inclusive, and tailored to individual needs, maintaining a balanced approach to career development.
• As highlighted by PAWLIK Benelux Managing Director, Roeland Weebers , “12 minutes of sincere undivided attention to each of your employees makes everybody successful”, we must never forget the power of human connection.

“12 minutes of sincere undivided attention to each of your employees makes everybody successful"

3. Implementing Two-Way Mentoring Programs

Two-way mentoring involves a dynamic exchange where both senior and junior employees share knowledge and insights. To structure these pairs effectively, establish clear guidelines that focus on mutual learning objectives. Ensure that pairings are made based on a broad range of intersectional factors—such as experience, departmental function, and cultural background—to boost diverse and equitable interactions. This balanced approach helps in breaking down silos and facilitating meaningful professional growth for both mentors and mentees.

4. Rethinking Performance Recognition in the Digital Age

Traditional performance metrics often stem from an industrial-age mindset, where output was measured by tangible products. Today’s work, characterized by intangible contributions and collaborative efforts, challenges these outdated measures. Research has shown that conventional metrics can lead to an overemphasis on visibility rather than actual performance. To address this, adopt qualitative evaluation methods that consider impact, creativity, and teamwork. Implement 360-degree feedback systems and peer evaluations to gain a comprehensive view of employee contributions. This shift ensures that recognition aligns with the complexities of modern work.

5. Establishing Innovation Labs Across Teams

Innovation labs can drive creativity and problem-solving by allowing employees to experiment with new ideas outside their regular duties. For example, Google's famous "20% time" policy, which allows employees to spend 20% of their time on projects outside their usual responsibilities, has led to the creation of successful products like Gmail and Google News.

To manage this effectively while maintaining regular tasks, innovation labs can be structured as part-time projects or rotational assignments. For ultimate success create cross-functional innovation teams that work on specific challenges or opportunities.

6. Embracing Blended Learning for Skill Development

Modern skill development requires a blend of learning methods to cater to different needs and preferences. Incorporate a mix of gamification, physical workshops, virtual reality (VR), and online courses into your training programs. This blended learning approach engages employees through varied formats, enhancing learning outcomes and retention. For instance, VR can simulate real-world scenarios for hands-on practice, while gamified elements can make learning more interactive and enjoyable. Combining these methods creates a dynamic and effective learning environment.

"Strategy makes it possible. People make it happen." ?

Do you have a question?

Leave a comment below and we will get back to you with deeper insights on any questions.