The New Paradigm of Doing Business

The structures from which we are used to operating from a business perspective are changing rapidly. We are entering a new age where the way we do business ten years from now will be unrecognizable from the way it is done today. Below are some ways that this shift is already happening and which organizations are leading the way.

Hierarchal structures are starting to soften

The days of a top down corporate hierarchy based on rank are slowly disintegrating. Our younger generations are wiser than ever before and have much to offer an organization if given the chance to be heard. Zappos has been a trailblazer in this area as in Q4 2013 the Company established a Holacracy where there are no job titles and no managers. 

Intuition infiltrates the c-suite

CEOs of Sony, Apple and Carnival have been acknowledged as using their intuition when making strategic business decisions. Currently, many advisory robots out there are still resorting to strictly quantitative methodologies to help their clients make business decisions (I know because I used to be one of them). A wake up call is occurring whereby it is becoming apparent that there is more to doing business than just numbers and this theme will become more prevalent over the next few years.

Giving trumps greed

The infamous Gordon Gekko character from the movie Wall Street and his viewpoint that greed is good; will be an archaic belief system that no longer holds true. Companies are becoming more focused on not only exceeding their own financial goals but giving back to causes that they are passionate about. This is evidenced by the recently established B Corp certification, which is for heart-centered organizations looking to make change in the world.

Women will continue to rise to the top

According to a 19-year study of Fortune 500 companies conducted by Pepperdine University, companies with more women in leadership and board positions financially outperform those without. Despite this fact, women in c-suite positions have remained relatively unchanged over the past few years. However, there are investor movements across the country, which are recognizing the power of women sitting in the c-suite. This is exhibited by organizations like Mergelane and the Vinetta Project, which are focused on raising capital for women-led businesses.

I would love to hear from you. How is your organization reflecting the changes that occurring in the world of business? Comment below.

Stacy Michelle is a Speaker and M&A Consultant to businesses across the country. Formerly on Wall Street, she now blends her intuitive skills and numbers know-how in aiding conscious businesses in getting deals done with grace and ease. To learn more about how Stacy can support you with your M&A activity, schedule a 30 minute consult with her here.