In our present Hitech scenario, society is changing very fast. What are the skills that are most relevant for leaders in relation to the changing economic environment? Leaders need to develop skills to drive innovation and change in order to play a more central role in their organizations’ activities. How do managers accept the change and meet business expectations by becoming a key figure in driving change and innovation?
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once observed that you could never step in the same stream twice. While you can dip your foot in the water again, the stream itself is an ever-changing entity. The old water has slipped past and, though the stream may appear placid, in reality, it is continually evolving. You all know that the stream changes all day, every day. You might say it changes twenty-four cross seven,” every passing second.
If you look around, you will find that ten years ago the face of the world was quite different from what we are familiar with today, and ten years from now, the world will be totally different from what it is today. The same principle is applicable to each and every being. This is because change is a natural, universal, and inevitable social phenomenon. If one wants to know at what rate society is changing, the correct answer will be at the click of the mouse. Change, since time immemorial, has affected each and every aspect of human life, whether it is a lifestyle, food habits, thought processes, language, art, relationship, religion, family, marriage, systems of society (political, economic, legal, and administrative), etc. What is important to note is whether the change is leading towards a positive end or not. Is change helping society in extension or development, or is the outcome just the reverse?
We need to understand that there are two types of processes that work in society - one which sustains the social system, and, the other, which brings about change in the system.
The first process may be termed, conformity, or, status quo.
The latter may be called the process of cultural and social change. In simple terms, change denotes a difference in anything observed over a period of time. Similarly, social change means observable differences in any social phenomenon over a period of time, and cultural change means observable differences in any cultural phenomenon over a period of time.
The dictionary meaning of change as a noun is making or becoming different, different from the previous state, the substitution of one for another variation, etc. Change as a verb means to undergo change, to make or become different. Change essentially implies dissatisfaction with the old and the urge for the new. Change underlies a qualitatively different way of perceiving, thinking, and behaving to improve over the past and existing practices.
After understanding the definition of change it is also very important to understand the nature and characteristics of change. The main characteristics of change are given below
The term "change" refers to any alteration which occurs in the overall work environment of an organization. According to Robbins change means making things different. We are familiar with changes brought about by the twin phenomena of liberalization and globalization in all walks of life. The banking sector has adapted to the emerging scenario very fast. And the power sector is now beginning to respond to these trends. Change results from the pressure of forces, which are both inside and outside the organization.
Change is continuous and intrinsic to an organization: There are changes in an organization that are minute in nature but take place continuously. An organization may be perceived as being in a state of flux (like the universe) and the elements of its systems and sub-systems always undergo subtle changes (incremental changes). Certain changes occurring inside the organization are very minute and their impact is hardly felt.
Change as extrinsic and discontinuous: Organisations are perceived as normally stable and change is perceived as disruptive, forcing organizations to modify, restructure, or reconfigure. A few changes are cataclysmic in nature, giving the organization barely any time to cope with them. These are almost like natural calamities such as earthquakes, cyclones, etc. in their impact. Some organizations may handle changes in a creative manner or make drastic changes in their strategy and direction to emerge out of this turbulence whereas others may get lost in it.
The external forces like technology, nature of work, economic shocks, competitions, social trends, and politics necessitate a change in the internal organization. In some way or the other change influences, the whole organization as the subunits or various departments in an organization are interrelated and interdependent.
Usually, there are many changes occurring simultaneously in an organization. An effective management technique is thus required in order to deal with the changes.
Stress is a product of the busyness of modern life. It has assumed grave dimensions ever since the emergence of industrialism. In fact, stress is a natural, ongoing, dynamic, and interactive process that takes place as people adjust to their environment. Stress can be brought about by positive or negative life events. Distress can cause disease and eustress or positive stress can promote wellbeing and increased productivity. Learn to recognize and be responsible for your stress, and learn the ways to manage stress.
Change is a complex phenomenon. There are different types of changes that are going on around us. Listed in this article are twelve areas in which change arises and bring some classification to it. However one may classify the change, the various heading is always interrelated. The change could be triggered by market changes, technological changes, or organizational changes.
At times like this, more than ever, it is essential that the organizations appreciate the human resource management skills required to successfully handle the transformation of industry and create an innovation culture. Read more to understand, how as a manager you can help in cultivating a culture of continuous innovation and adaptation to change.
Evidence of the medically damaging symptoms of work stress necessitates applying the treatment of stress management. Stress management is increasingly drawing the attention to the management experts not only as a remedial measure but also as a way to resource management. If the workplace can be made a little more lovable the increase in the achievement of the organization may be much time more. If group stress can be removed by introducing group discussions and recreational facilities a long-lasting team spirit may get developed.
Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. The best time management techniques improve the ways you work. Time management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity. Learn more about the five steps for effective time management viz. study, identify, analyze, decide, and implement.
Team Foundation in Forming Stage
This is the first stage of team development. This is the stage when the foundation of the team is laid. During the Forming stage, team members have a high dependence on their leader for guidance. Learn the practical strategies you can use during this stage to help your team develop into a highly effective performing team.
Productivity is defined not in terms of the number of goods produced, but in terms of value-added per employee. Customers don’t really buy goods and services but in fact, they buy a value - something they value. The future is all about tangible products fulfilling intangible needs. Ideas like this can transform a business and provide them a competitive advantage to thrive in the future.
Crisis leadership is a very important part of leading in today's world. The skills a leader needs in order to guide people during a crisis are different from the skills needed to help a group grow. Are you a good crisis leader? What is your leadership style in case of a business crisis situation? A business crisis can test the strongest of leaders, read this article to explore how to ensure you’re ready to take action and weather the storm when one strikes you.
In today's innovation-driven economy, understanding how to generate great ideas has become an urgent managerial priority. Managers need to encourage and champion ideas and need to help their organizations incorporate diverse perspectives, which spur creative insights and facilitate creative collaboration by harnessing new technologies. Innovation is the embodiment, combination, and/or synthesis of knowledge in original, relevant, valued new products, processes, or services.
Change & Culture of Innovation
Predicting the future is a tricky business but managers need to have a future perspective in order to take business advantage and remain competitive. They need to drive and introduce constructive change to the business of the enterprise. The first step to creativity and innovation is to drive a culture of Innovation. Managers need to focus on developing future mindset all the time to keep pace with the unfolding future.
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