Culture – Page 5

AI in the C-Suite

July 24, 2023 by Katie Moran Leave a Comment

The workforce has been closely monitoring the advancement of AI tools for multiple reasons including excitement of what can be created, how they will make work-lives easier and how it will affect the workforce. We have observed a gradual effect throughout the last few decades, but the global unveiling of ChatGPT earlier this year brought on an explosion for the future of AI. The most recent shake up is that AI has officially taken a role in the C-Suite!

On July 6, 2023, Quick Custom Intelligence made a groundbreaking announcement: their new COO is an AI system, and not just any system either, the AI was created in-house and has been dubbed, JARVIS.

So, how does this announcement shake-up the future of succession planning and the workforce? A change in the training of future Executives, the loss of organizational Leaders/Smaller Teams, and more collaborative teams, just to name a few.

How can we stay relevant in an AI powered workforce?

Continuing education. We are lucky to live in an age when access to educational resources is just a click away, in addition to the traditional learning opportunities that come from formal education organizations, private services, workshops, etc. Which allow for the additional bonus to network outside of your team. Personal educational platforms, such: Udemy, xEd, Coursera, etc., and even recently, these platforms have expanded their offerings to include team courses for businesses. Also, many organizations are now offering “Product Specific” training modules on their websites. Whichever route you choose, there are a plethora of great opportunities for low risk first exposures to new skillsets; some even offer full courses, certificates, and advanced learning.
Improving Communication Skills. Working on improving teamwide communication has always been essential to organizational success, and now it requires different perspectives and attention. As workflows pivot away from repetitive and regular tasks, due to the engineering of models and algorithms taking them off our hands, we will naturally be left focusing on work that requires more uniquely human input. These parameters will change as our tools upgrade, but our teams will still need well-structured internal systems and communications to stay aligned and achieve the organizational mission statement.
Exploring More Creative Ventures and Collaborations. When it comes to the bottom line, AI systems are only tools created in the interest of making lives easier for humans. The advancement of their abilities allows for users to have more time to explore creative ideas. Additionally, exploring different tools will, more than likely, bring about new inspirations never considered before.
Leveraging AI Modules to find hidden Talents/Skills. Exploring different AI Modules that are not in your typical scope of interests is an excellent method of keeping well-rounded awareness. It is not necessary to become an expert; yet, having a base knowledge in additional areas will keep your brain sharp and adaptable.

Technological advancements have been changing the game of the workplace throughout time. The introduction of AI’s true capabilities reveals the potential for technology to fully take over businesses. Despite the racing speed of technological advancements, it’s important to take the time to research thoroughly. Even though we see AI modules expanding capabilities, they will not be able to replace what companies really need: People.

Do you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Make Space For Your Team To Outperform Your Expectations

July 13, 2023 by DERGEL Executive Search Leave a Comment

There is a management approach which helps normalize the pursuit of lateral thinking and creative solutions. This strategy also aims to open new doors and opportunities along the way.

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Employee-led projects and initiatives can help develop the creative pulse of an organization, clarify a team’s core functionalities & strengths, and bring about some unexpected success. Let us explore some examples:

1] Google’s “20% Time”

One notable case study is Google’s implementation of the “20% Time” policy. This initiative allows employees to devote 20% of their workweek to personal projects. The results have been remarkable, with products such as Gmail, Google News, and AdSense originating from employee-led projects. By providing dedicated time for self-directed work, Google nurtures a culture of innovation and gives employees the freedom to explore new ideas beyond their routine tasks.

2] Atlassian’s “ShipIt Days”

Atlassian, a leading software company, conducts regular “ShipIt Days” where employees have 24 hours to work on projects of their choice. This initiative encourages cross-functional collaboration and empowers individuals to bring their ideas to life. By fostering a culture of experimentation and creativity, Atlassian has seen numerous successful projects emerge from these dedicated sessions.

3] 3M’s “15% Rule”

3M’s renowned “15% Rule” allows employees to spend up to 15% of their working time on projects unrelated to their primary responsibilities. This freedom has led to breakthrough innovations, such as the creation of the iconic Post-it Note. By granting employees the autonomy to pursue their passions, 3M has created a culture where individuals feel empowered to think outside the box and contribute to the company’s success.

4] LinkedIn’s “InCubator” Program

LinkedIn’s “InCubator” program is designed to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its employees. Through this initiative, individuals can pitch their project ideas and, if selected, receive dedicated time and resources to bring them to fruition. This program fosters intrapreneurship, strengthens employee engagement, and results in innovative solutions that contribute to LinkedIn’s continuous growth.

5] Valve Corporation’s Flat Hierarchy

Valve Corporation operates on a unique flat hierarchy system, allowing employees to choose their projects and work with others in a self-organizing manner. By eliminating traditional management structures and granting autonomy, Valve nurtures a culture where employees take ownership of their work. This approach has propelled the company’s success in the competitive video game industry.

Even before considering these approaches, there are plenty of takeaways to be absorbed. When noticing an individual’s skill set that seems unrelated to their job title, a forward-thinking manager might consider, “How could this be useful beyond its present application?”

When considering what trajectories to position towards, it could be helpful for the organization to conduct an interview of the employee base. This will help expose the organizational leadership to the employees’ view of the company’s core competencies and strengths.

As you might imagine, there are some downsides when considering such bold directions. It may break the norm & will probably decrease the measurable employee output in the immediate present. That, however, is only part of the picture, which doesn’t include the increase in employee satisfaction & groundbreaking idea potential. Each organization gets to consider whether the time, energy, and financial investment is fitting for their situation. Realistically, not every company has the proper teams and resources in place if major ideas and opportunities came knocking on the door. Those who do see the value in this venture, may join in producing the next generation of fulfilled & loyal teams as well as unheard of ideas.

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions from how your organization has effectively made space for your team to outperform expectations? Share with us at: [email protected]

The Visionary Advantage: How Envisioning Fuels Success

June 27, 2023 by DERGEL Executive Search Leave a Comment

Imagine a future where your goals are not just within reach, but already within your grasp.

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In the dynamic environment of today, utilizing intentional visualization to aid in creating your successful reality is paramount. Let us delve into the importance of the practice & how it provides actionable strategies.

What Does Envisioning Actually Do?

This process activates, strengthens and refines neural pathways associated with the envisioned scenario. This means, that mentally rehearsing specific actions or scenarios helps those neural pathways become more efficient and effective over time, which can translate into improved performance when engaging in those activities.

Envisioning is more than mere daydreaming or wishful thinking; it is a deliberate and strategic process of creating a mental picture of your desired reality. Successful team leaders understand that before any tangible achievements come to fruition, they must first visualize and internalize their goals.

Getting Started

Define Your Vision: Start by articulating a clear and compelling vision for yourself and your organization. Be specific about what you want to achieve and the impact you aspire to make. By creating a vivid mental picture, you prime your mind for success.
Set SMART Goals: Once you have your vision, break it down into achievable goals using the SMART framework – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures clarity and provides a roadmap to track progress.
Visualization and Affirmation: Regularly engage in visualization exercises where you vividly imagine yourself achieving your goals. Pair this with reinforcing your belief in your abilities and the potential for success. It may help to notice what environments and activities aid in clearing and readying your mind, as an artist would prepare a clean canvas to begin painting.
Surround Yourself with a Supportive Network: Seek out mentors, coaches, or peers who share your vision and can provide guidance and support along your journey. Their insights and experience can help you navigate challenges and refine your vision.
Stay Agile: Envisioning does not mean rigidly adhering to a predetermined plan. Leaders must remain agile and open to adjusting their course as circumstances evolve. Adaptability is a key component to own.

Examples of Well-Respected Individuals who Utilize Visualization

Many role models have openly embraced the practice of visualization, and their experiences serve as powerful testimonials to its effectiveness:

Athletes: Michael Phelps, the Olympian with the highest medal count, famously used visualization techniques to mentally rehearse his races and visualize himself winning. Similarly, basketball legend LeBron James has spoken about visualizing game scenarios and making split-second decisions on the court.
Business Leaders: Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and philanthropist, is known to have practiced visualization techniques to manifest her career goals and personal aspirations. Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has spoken about using visualization as a tool for strategic planning and creating a vision for his businesses.
Artists and Performers: Jim Carrey, the acclaimed actor and comedian, famously wrote himself a check for $10 million for “acting services rendered” and visualized his success long before achieving it. Renowned musician and composer, Mozart, was known to mentally compose his complex musical pieces before putting pen to paper.

Addressing Skepticism and Misconceptions

Individuals may view these practices as odd, magical thinking, or off-limits. Therefore, it is essential to address these concerns and misconceptions head-on:

Scientific Basis: Visualization is not a mystical or supernatural concept and is supported by extensive research. Studies have shown that visualizing specific actions or outcomes activates the same neural pathways as physically performing those actions. This mental rehearsal enhances cognitive processes, boosts motivation, and improves performance.
Practical and Accessible: Visualization is a practical tool that anyone can use to enhance their focus, clarity, and goal attainment. It does not require any special skills or resources. It is simply a mental exercise that harnesses the power of imagination and intention.
Complementary to Action: Visualization is not a substitute for hard work, effort, or action. It is a complementary tool that aligns the mind with desired outcomes, increases confidence, and improves decision-making. Combining visualization with strategic action helps maximize potential for success.

Moving Past Challenges

In addition to preparing for your successful endeavors, consider investing time and effort into proactively addressing potential obstacles and issues before they arise. This may help you tackle them with a more centered composure, calm speech, and possibly even with a solution framework.

Envisioning creates a clear pathway to success. By defining your objectives, mapping out strategies, and visualizing the end result, you create a blueprint for action. When you have clarity and confidence in your craft, it is naturally shared with your team, and propels the whole unit forward.

Do you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Unleashing Hidden Potential: Identifying Employees with Underutilized Skill Sets

June 20, 2023 by DERGEL Executive Search Leave a Comment

Realizing the full potential of your workforce is an effective way of maximizing your already available resources.

As team leaders, one of your critical responsibilities is to identify employees who possess hidden or unrealized skill sets. By recognizing and leveraging these untapped talents, you can unlock new opportunities for innovation, drive productivity, and foster a culture of growth. Here are some effective strategies to identify and harness the hidden potential within your workforce:

First: Recognize the Value of Underutilized Skill Sets

This refers to the talents and capabilities that employees possess but are not expressed or utilized in their current roles. Often, these skills go unnoticed or unacknowledged, resulting in missed potential and opportunities for both individuals and the organization. As team leaders, it is essential to recognize the value that lies within these untapped talents and the impact they can have on business growth.

Encouraging Open Dialogue and Employee Feedback

Creating an environment that encourages open dialogue and employee feedback is crucial for identifying previously unknown skill sets. Regularly engage in conversations with your team members to understand their career aspirations, interests, and skills beyond their current roles. Encourage them to share their ideas, talents, and areas where they feel they could contribute more effectively. Actively listen to their perspectives and take their input into consideration when making talent management decisions.

Conducting Skills Assessments and Talent Audits

Conducting skills assessments and talent audits can provide valuable insights into the underutilized skill sets within your organization. Implement a structured assessment process to identify the diverse skills, experiences, and expertise your employees possess. This can be done through self-assessments, performance reviews, or utilizing external tools and assessments. A comprehensive talent audit helps identify hidden talents, strengths, and areas for development, enabling you to align individuals with roles that leverage their full potential.

Encouraging Cross-Functional Collaboration and Job Rotation

Cross-functional collaboration and job rotation initiatives offer opportunities for employees to showcase the diversity of their skill sets. Encourage collaboration across departments or teams to foster knowledge sharing and the exploration of new perspectives. Implement job rotation programs that allow employees to gain exposure to different roles and responsibilities. Additionally, this will lengthen the list of substitute workers available in other departments, should somebody be sick or leave the company. These methods not only help identify hidden talents but also enhances employee engagement, promotes development of a diverse skill set, and nurtures a culture of continuous learning.

Providing Opportunities for Upskilling and Reskilling

Smart investing in your work force is a great way to upgrade the overall potential of it; upskilling and reskilling programs can be easily accessible and a great win. Start by identifying skills gaps and providing targeted training programs to enhance the employees’ capabilities. Offer professional development opportunities, workshops, mentoring, or access to online learning platforms to empower employees to expand their skill sets and take on new challenges. By investing in their growth, you enable employees to invest their potential back into the team.

Empowering Employee-Led Projects and Initiatives

Create a culture that encourages employees to take the initiative and lead projects aligned with their skill sets. Provide a platform for employees to propose and execute innovative ideas that leverage their unique talents. Encourage and support employee-led initiatives, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and promoting a sense of ownership. These projects can result in new business opportunities, process improvements, and the discovery of previously unknown talents within your workforce.

Google famously implemented a policy called “20% time” where employees are encouraged to spend 20% of their workweek on projects that are not necessarily related to their primary job responsibilities. This initiative has led to the development of successful products like Gmail, Google News, and AdSense, all of which originated from employee-led projects.

3M is known for its innovative culture, partly due to its long-standing “15% Rule.” The company allows employees to spend up to 15% of their time working on projects that are not directly related to their job roles. This policy has resulted in numerous breakthrough innovations, including the creation of the Post-it Note.

Recognizing and Rewarding Achievements

Acknowledging and rewarding employees who demonstrate their skill sets is crucial for fostering a culture that values their potential; when the employees themselves feel valued, they will find personal incentive to buy-in and grow with the team. Implement recognition programs that celebrate individuals who go outside of their assigned roles, showcasing their unique skills and contributions. Recognize achievements through promotions, bonuses, public acknowledgments, or career advancement opportunities. These shows of appreciation reinforce the importance of leveraging diverse talents and encourages other employees to showcase their hidden potential.

Identifying employees who have less obvious strengths is a strategic imperative for team leaders. By fostering these and other techniques you can unlock the hidden potential within your workforce. Embrace the power of untapped talents, and your organization will reap the benefits of innovation, increased productivity, and a thriving culture of growth.

Do you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions of how to effectively find and foster hidden talent? Share with us at: [email protected]

Elevating Conflict Resolution: Strategies for Upgrading Organizational Effectiveness

June 13, 2023 by DERGEL Executive Search 1 Comment

Conflict is an inevitable aspect of any organization, but how it is managed and resolved can greatly impact and benefit productivity, morale, and overall success.

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Upgrading your conflict resolution practices are essential for fostering a healthy environment and maximizing team performance. It may not be as daunting as you imagine to effectively upgrade your organization’s culture surrounding this topic, here are some easy ways to begin:

Foster a Culture of Open Communication

Establish a culture that values open communication and encourages employees to express their concerns and viewpoints. Create channels for transparent and honest dialogue, such as regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and anonymous suggestion systems. By promoting open communication, you can address conflicts early on and prevent them from escalating into larger issues.

Embrace a Constructive Mindset

Adopt a constructive mindset towards conflicts, viewing them as opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved relationships. Shift the focus from winning or suppressing conflicts to finding mutually beneficial solutions. By embracing a positive perspective, team leaders set the tone for a culture that values open communication and collaboration.

Implement Effective Conflict Resolution Policies

Develop and implement clear conflict resolution policies that outline the steps, procedures, and guidelines for resolving conflicts within your organization. Ensure that employees are aware of these policies and have access to the necessary resources, such as designated mediators or conflict resolution training programs. Providing a structured framework for conflict resolution helps ensure consistency and fairness in the process.

Promote Active Listening and Empathy

Encourage the practices of active listening and empathy among team members when resolving conflicts. Actively listen to all parties involved, allowing them to express their perspectives without interruption, seeking to understand the underlying concerns and emotions. Cultivate empathy by putting yourself in others’ shoes and demonstrating sincere care. Having a genuine interest in understanding their viewpoint is essential for this practice. Remember, these are called practices, because they are skills that are iterated upon and built over time. These empathetic approaches help build trust & spaces of open dialogue, which help to effectively resolve conflict more smoothly.

Encourage Win-Win Solutions

Move away from a win-lose mentality and encourage a focus on win-win solutions. Involve all parties in the conflict resolution process and seek outcomes that address the underlying interests and needs of everyone involved. Foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable suggesting innovative approaches to resolve conflicts. Encourage brainstorming and creative problem-solving techniques to explore alternative options. Build collaborative mindsets that prioritize compromise, creativity, and long-term relationship building. By finding win-win solutions, conflicts can be resolved in a manner that benefits both individuals and the organization as a whole.

Communicate Clearly and Respectfully

Effective communication is crucial in conflict resolution. Clearly articulate your thoughts, expectations, and concerns while maintaining a respectful tone. Use non-confrontational language, focusing on the issue at hand rather than attacking individuals. Encourage others to express themselves openly and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. Clear and respectful communication fosters a positive atmosphere and helps prevent misunderstandings.

Provide Conflict Resolution Training

Invest in conflict resolution training programs for team leaders and employees at all levels. Equip them with the skills and techniques necessary to navigate conflicts effectively. Training should focus on active listening, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and widening emotional intelligence. By enhancing conflict resolution capabilities across the organization, you empower individuals to address conflicts proactively and constructively.

Seek Mediation and Neutral Third-Party Involvement

In complex or escalated conflicts, consider involving a neutral third party or professional mediator. Mediators are trained to facilitate constructive conversations and help parties find common ground. Their impartiality can help defuse tensions and guide the resolution process towards mutually beneficial outcomes. Engaging mediators demonstrates a commitment to fair and unbiased conflict resolution.

Evaluate and Learn from Conflict Experiences

Because conflict is normal, it is good to regularly evaluate conflict resolution processes and outcomes to identify areas for improvement. Analyze patterns, trends, and common triggers for conflicts within your organization. Use these insights to refine conflict resolution policies, training programs, and communication strategies. Emphasize a continuous learning mindset and encourage employees to share their experiences and lessons learned from resolving conflicts.

Upgrading conflict resolution practices within your organization is a vital step towards fostering a positive work environment, enhancing collaboration, and promoting productivity. Through these and other strategic upgrades, conflicts can be resolved constructively, leading to increased employee satisfaction, stronger relationships, and improved organizational performance.

Do you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions of how to effectively preempt and resolve conflict? Share with us at: [email protected]