How are you adapting in this Changing World?
Lyn Hawkins
SA/WA Director PWN | Founder Business Women Australia | Community Builder | Strategy Consultant | Facilitator | Speaker | Accredited Coach | Business Development & Marketing Director
The adaptability of a business can really make a difference to clients, customers, and collaborators. In this digital era of innovation and globalisation, the game is consistently changing; teams and their leaders need to be ready to either meet these changes head on, or predict them.
These changes are happening now and within the next decade. 2019 has seen some huge shifts in focus to one of sustainability, with a climate emergency being declared and worldwide strikes occurring. By 2025, millennials will make up 75% of the workforce globally, and in Australia. Many millennials will also hold leadership positions structurally affecting businesses. The first "internet raised generation" will also join the workforce in less than ten years.
Leadership styles need to be adapted to meet the changing workforce, as Jessica Schubert, Premium Member and Founder of Intact Teams said “We can’t lead the way we were led, or are currently leading." This is because the workplace is changing; becoming more multicultural and more multi-generational. You can read more on Jessica's tips and tricks navigating the modern, and future, workforce HERE. Jess will be presenting at the Melbourne Business Women Australia breakfast hosted by Shadforth Financial Group on Wed 20 Nov if you are keen to join the conversation (DETAILS HERE).
Adaptive leaders create, and inspire, adaptive teams who embrace “Adaptive Performance" defined by the Harvard Business Review, as "how effectively your organisation diverges from its strategy". Harvard Business School professor, Ethan S. Bernstein studied assembly-line performance at a company he called “Precision.” This company closely monitored their employees who had been carefully trained to follow the processes exactly as they were laid out. When Bernstein hid a set of production lines from managers’ view, the performance of employees on those lines increased by 10% to 15%. It turns out that when employees felt they were being monitored, there was pressure to stick to “proven” methods. They couldn’t adapt to improve their work. When teams work independently whilst being encouraged to find alternative solutions to problems they become more innovative. An innovative team is able to adapt to new and unknown challenges, improving Adaptive Performance. It sits at the heart of flexibility and responsiveness.
As a marketing strategist I find myself constantly grappling with what adaptive performance means in relation to the overarching business strategy; how we develop our products and grow our brands based on the required changes in the marketplace and the improvements in our organisation's capability to do new things. Fellow marketing strategists, Amy Ward (The OTM Company), and Noelle Greenwood will delve into these issues at a round-table discussion being held in Brisbane on Wed 13 Nov, exploring strategies and impacts of brand and marketing in this age of digital experience. Digital impact and influence can now dictate the success of a business. Building, promoting and protecting your brand across the digital landscape requires social responsibility and brand accountability in this brave, new age. Is your brand and marketing adapting to these needs?
Let's continue to evolve, to adapt and innovate. Let's participate in opportunities to hear the viewpoints of those outside our usual circles. Let's challenge each other and stretch ideas, share lessons learnt and the secrets to the wins.
Drop me a line if you are interested in being more strategically adaptable in 2020. For business women and the female leaders in my community, check out what’s coming up with Business Women Australia. We always welcome new members. Join HERE.
About Lyn Hawkins
Lyn is the National Director of Business Women Australia and a management consultant with a focus on business growth, marketing and transformation. She has held senior roles with KPMG, HHG Legal Group, HLB Mann Judd and Telstra, in addition to General Management roles with technology-based businesses. As Principal of Hawkins Marketing, Lyn works predominantly with professional services firms (legal, accounting and technology) and executive teams developing and implementing business strategies. Lyn deeply values the opportunity to explore and grow. She loves experimenting with new ideas and experiences, and enjoys opportunities to learn. "Where there is a mix of diverse, eclectic individuals, good things happen."
About Business Women Australia
BWA brings together business women from all sectors, industries and states;
- business owners and entrepreneurs
- executives and managers
- professionals
- women on boards
- leaders and emerging leaders
- women who desire growth
Business Women Australia is focused on key areas of development;
- Leadership
- Business Improvement
- Personal & Professional Growth
- Connections & Friendships
Business Designer. Business Coach. I help business owners get their life back AND run a highly enjoyable profitable business.
5 年That's an interesting observation about production line behaviour?Lyn Hawkins. I'm keen to see where the Millennials will go with this. My observation is that they are more conservative than their parents and grandparents, but I'm open to being persuaded otherwise.? Should be a fascinating BWA breakfast in Melbourne. I'll always push the boundaries to innovate and that's what I like about Business Women Australia?and your leadership Lyn.?
?? Guiding Go-Getters to Break Free from the 9-to-5 & Achieve A Dream Lifestyle & Bigger Goals Through A Powerful Mindset & a Proven 3-Step System.
5 年A good question Lyn Hawkins?, I have made many changes especially this year as the pace of change is rapid and so is the learning curve.? While I can still breath I will still learn. :-) ?