An “Agile” organization creates an agile ecosystem around it – from its partners, customers, and vendors to investors. That’s the hallmark of sustainable growth.- Kunal Nagarkatti, COO, Clover Academy
Every company in information technology is building agile teams. These teams are powered with the automation efforts of the company to create a fast-paced work environment where projects can be delivered fast. There is also constant pressure on the IT professionals to re-skill themselves on new technologies.
“Agile” has caught on as a great buzzword. If an organization must march ahead, its context needs to be broadened. Currently, it refers to an iterative and incremental method of project delivery. However, an aspirational organization, especially in IT services, is one that can always keep its human capital “Agile”.
How does one do it in times when technology is taking rapid strides? This is a challenge faced by leaders in IT companies every day.
A few things done right, may be a good start towards creating “Agile” and Engaged Human Capital.
1. Thinking the future of work: The future of work will be more deeply collaborative. With the over-arching influence of digital, project teams would be a group of people with different yet complimentary skillsets coming together to accomplish a project in the fastest possible time. What’s interesting is that they might not even see each other but just collaborate and build solutions. Let’s create such an ecosystem in our companies wherein an agile workforce can collaborate as per their specializations, core competencies and expertise. This will help to create technology solutions faster.
2. Collaboration tools: An interesting article by Harvard Business Review says that professionals are spending around 23 hours a week in meetings. Furthermore, a lot of research and content is published on how to make these meetings effective. In the age of technology, collaborative tools are essential to ensure clarity of contribution required to achieve desired objectives. This is not only important for success but also essential for keeping the human capital engaged. An engaged workforce is an “Agile” workforce.
3. Productivity enhancement: If the abovementioned is acted on, it can leave employees with a little more breathing space. Let’s use it effectively for learning, through classroom trainings, focus group
discussions, webinars and even online training sessions on newer technology areas. This helps to upgrade the human capital in terms of skills, technology capabilities, communication and managerial effectiveness.
A judicious mix of the above factors can create “Agile” human capital which would catapult the organization’s growth and help them to leverage technology to change the world for the better.
An “Agile” organization creates an agile ecosystem around it – from its partners, customers, and vendors to investors. That’s the hallmark of sustainable growth.
Are you an “Agile” organization?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house