⬅ Back to overview

What it takes in times of change:

 

We live in incredibly fast-paced times. Today’s trends can be obsolete tomorrow and new developments appear on the radar. In Austria we would say something like “Changes sprout from the ground like mushrooms”. In order to be able to deal with the resulting challenges in the best possible way, it is essential to have the right mindset and skillset at hand.

The constant: further development!

 

Companies face a wide range of challenges that depend on both internal and external factors:

  • Employees want to develop not only professionally, but increasingly on a personal, individual level.
  • Good, functioning teams are becoming more relevant. For companies, they are often crucial to success and for employees, they are essential for their job satisfaction.
  • From environmental issues to new technologies to the shortage of skilled workers, companies need agile thinking, good prioritization and know-how about relevant topics.

 

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to any of these challenges, but there is one thing to avoid: Standing still. In the spirit of Heraclitus’ famous quote, the only constant in the new world of work is development. It is not necessary to try out every trend or implement every new technology immediately, but a vision should be created and changes should be consciously perceived. This requires effective internal people development in order to be able to face the challenges, which are often critical to success, in the best possible way.

How do you succeed in overcoming these challenges?

 

Of course, if a company is to develop and educate itself, that doesn’t mean putting a building in an online course. Within the company, it needs a management team that recognizes these issues, assesses their relevance and acts accordingly. It needs leaders who are willing to discuss and try out new things with their team in addition to the day-to-day business. Last but not least, employees must also be motivated to break new ground and contribute ideas. As a company, it is important to establish a culture that understands further development and change as an opportunity.

From theory to practice

 

A survey of HR professionals shows that 42% of talent developers are still struggling to make the establishment of a true learning culture a priority in management / in the company. Although most managers are aware that learning per se is important for everyone in the company, the mindset or culture shift is still needed. Changing a culture does not work overnight, rather it requires patience and a certain persistence to implement new ways of thinking and methods in a long-lasting way.

 

Imagine reading an interesting book, like one of my favorites “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. You will find yourself at certain chapters or paragraphs that you would like to share methods, tips or similar with others or try them out yourself. Now you have two options:

  1. Finish the book and try not to forget the content.
  2. Mark important passages, consciously try things out and reflect.

 

With the latter option, you take a decisive step towards continuous development. Of course, it is not enough to try something once, because it needs routine, your own commitment and sometimes also that of your environment. For example, your colleagues will need some time to become aware of and respect your new habits or methods, while you will have to learn to apply them consistently.

The right skillset and mindset

 

Continuous development at all levels of a company requires people who have the appropriate skills and the right mindset. In order to develop these skills gradually and on a lasting basis, we have created a permanent companion to support employees and leaders on this path: Our 21st Century Skills Development Platform. In addition, we offer coaching, customized training and consulting services to accompany employees, leaders and companies on their journey. You can find all the details – also about the individual 21st Century Skills – on our website.

 

 

Want to learn more about continuous development for you, your team or company? I would be happy to exchange ideas about the possibilities!