The Human Infrastructure

In the conference organized by the Bahrain Chamber with the title (Towards Promising Economic Infrastructure, Sustainability and Growth), Mr Verne Harnish, Founder and CEO Scaling Up gave a Keynote Speech. He spoke about many excellent ideas and stories in business success. I quote one key concept he emphasized, the shift from muscle-based to brain-based organizations.

Most organizational structures were developed relying heavily on physical efforts and muscular contribution, so the strength of a company is measured by the number of employees it has. Major advances in knowledge and technology imposed a shift in favour of a greater role for thinking. The human intelligence became a key factor that influence how work is organized. The strength of companies is derived from the quality, expertise and intelligence of its employees.

In another word, while organizations in the past focused on mass employment to create force, the current conditions call for different human qualities. Intellectual capital, critical thinking, innovation and problem solving are important ingredients which give an organization its competitive advantage.

Tolerance and ability to accommodate change, continuous training and leadership support can create the required conditions for the intended shift and reorganization to improve the commend and control in the organization.

“Corporate culture matters. How management chooses to treat its people impacts everything for better or for worse” - Simon Sinek

Things have changed for business owners.? The young generation is different Nobody wants to be managed, there is a need for a care shift. People want to feel they are cared for. This represents a revolution in infrastructure companies around the world. The new trend in business management relies heavily on relationships and social atmosphere in the organization. The ability to manifest flexibility to change and shift from standardised work process and embracing new trends with timely and courageous response is the way for survival and success.

The most important infrastructure is the human, the feeling, thought, behaviours and contribution are the heart of this concept. The organization becomes more like a prospering and a growing social entity where active listening, collaboration, transparency, recognition and empowerment are essential driving values.

The emphasis is on creativity and cognitive aspects of employees and policies to retain talents by rewards and working conditions that attract such employees.