Tough Times, Visionary Companies

#59: Tough Times, Visionary Companies [May 2009]

In the last issue, we saw how individuals can succeed under all circumstances and that is the foundation class and pillars of strength to be successful. To recall, there are four pillars of strength to build on top of the foundation called “Will Power”. They are a. Learnability, b. Efficiency, c. Agility and d. Attitude.

In this issue, we will discuss what makes an organization successful. The question we need to ask is “Are the pillars and foundation same for organizations as that of Individuals?” The answer is No.

Foundation

Corporate culture, which I feel serves as the foundation on which pillars of strength is built. It is the total sum of the values, customs, traditions and meanings that make a company unique. Corporate culture is often called "the character of an organization" since it embodies the vision of the company’s founders. Hence, we need to ensure that CNPL values its culture as the core foundation and we should monitor, measure and correct if there is a deviation.

Pillars of Strength

There are four pillars of strength and they are a. Technology Adoption, b. Process, c. Talent Management and d. Collaboration.



In the knowledge economy, the agility with which technology adoption happens is the key driver for business sustenance. Agility and learnability of individuals contributes to this pillar.

Adaptation of technology without using proper process will be cost ineffective. Process and its compliance will instill quality on one hand and keep the cost of products & services less expensive.

Again, knowledge economy depends largely on talented and skilled manpower. Retaining the talent, keeping them motivated, encouraging them to learn on continuous basis and recognition are the ingredients of talent management.

Of course the last but not the least is to ensure that the individuals work as a team to achieve common objectives. Collaboration would need transparency, attitude to care & share, attitude of forgiveness, pride in growth of peers and sub-ordinates, empathy and magnanimity.

Our next survey would be based on these foundation and pillars. Get ready to give your frank and valuable feedbacks soon.