New Age OrganisationsLean & Slim & Swift
The Covid-19 pandemic has upended the world of business as we know it. It has forced businesses to confront a new reality, one marked by unprecedented change and uncertainty. We are looking at a world that has been turned upside down, and the path to recovery is riddled with unpredictability and change.
The pandemic has fundamentally altered our way of life and work, leaving a lasting impact on our
b e h a v i o u r s long after the crisis subsides. In response, some of the most agile companies have swiftly embraced digital and automation t e c h n o l o g i e s , hastening trends that were once evolving at a slower pace. Remote work, online shopping, virtual entertainment, telemedicine - these have all become the new standard as businesses strive to adapt to the new normal. The key for businesses now is to quickly internalise the lessons from this pandemic and make transformational changes to their business and operational strategies. This is a time for innovation and resilience and those who can
adapt swiftly will emerge stronger on the other side. As companies navigate the complexities of a world forever altered by the crisis, the imperative for business leaders is clear: adapt, evolve, and embrace change to thrive in the new normal.
Need For New Age Organisations The Covid-19 pandemic ripped through the fabric of our world, leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. Businesses, once operating in a state of comfortable predictability, now face a landscape fraught with uncertainty and continuous change. This isn’t just a bump in the road – it’s a fundamental shift. The onset of Covid-19 p a n d e m i c f o r c e d s e v e r a l b u s i n e s s houses to swiftly pivot their operations, e m b r a c i n g digitalisation and automation at an accelerated pace. The world saw remote work becoming the norm, online platforms being preferred over the traditional b r i c k - a n d - m o r t a r e s t a b l i s h m e n t s , and industries across the board experimenting with rapid digital transformation. Recovery, if it can be called that, will likely be marked by constant evolution of business processes and methods. The lessons learned during this tumultuous period are invaluable, highlighting the need for organisations to integrate sustainable changes into their business models and operational frameworks.
Overcoming Inertia: The Key To Transformation The pandemic served as a crucible – an “Agni Pariksha” – for organisations. Those who failed to adapt remain stagnant, clinging to outdated models that no longer serve the rapidly changing customer preferences and market landscape. But for those who embraced the challenge, the flames forged a path to transformation. They emerged lighter, more agile, and ready to thrive in the new normal. Central to the transformational journey of an organisation is the concept of “Stiratha”, or inertia, which represents the resistance to change that can impede organisational progress. The higher the inertia within an organisation, the greater is the force required to drive meaningful acceleration and transformation. Drawing inspiration from the iconic physics
formula Force = Mass x Acceleration,
organisations can unlock their potential for transformation by reducing their mass – by shedding non performing resources, outdated processes and mindsets, and their inertia – to achieve higher acceleration with lower force. The question isn’t whether to adapt, but how quickly and effectively we can become “New Age Organisations”.
Automate Repetitive Tasks Leveraging Technology
To reduce mass in an organisation, it is essential to leverage existing and future technologies to automate repetitive tasks and processes, thereby freeing up human resources to focus on tasks that require emotional intelligence, empathy, and creativity. This is an extremely simple and logical approach and by doing so it not only increases operational efficiency of the organisation but it also enhances the overall quality of work by leveraging the unique strengths of both human beings and technology.
Agni Pariksha - The Ordeal By Fire
The concept of Agni-Pariksha, literally translated to “ordeal by fire” in Sanskrit, is an ancient Indian tradition where someone’s innocence or truthfulness is tested by passing through fire. It’s a symbolic trial where the belief is that divine intervention protects the innocent from harm. It finds mention in several
Hindu scriptures, most notably the epic Ramayana. Fire is a powerful symbol in Hinduism, representing purification and truth. By passing through fire unharmed, the person is believed to be cleansed of any sin or falsehood. Agni-Pariksha for businesses refers to the disruptive challenges brought on by massive and unforeseen incidents such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Just like the literal ordeal by fire, the pandemic forced businesses to confront their vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It was a period of intense pressure that exposed any outdated models or rigid structures holding them back. The pandemic acted as a catalyst for positive change. Businesses that adapted and embraced new ways of working emerged stronger and more resilient. They shed unnecessary baggage (like inefficient processes) and emerged “purified” and ready for the future. The pandemic wasn’t just about survival; it was a test of a company’s ability to innovate and adapt. Businesses that successfully navigated the crisis demonstrated their
resilience and adaptability. Agni-Pariksha is a powerful metaphor to illustrate the transformative potential of disruption for businesses. It emphasises that businesses that embrace the challenges emerge stronger, while those clinging to the past are left behind.
Hallmarks Of New Age Organisation
What defines a new-age organisation? Here are the key characteristics that set them apart:
- Agility: Gone are the days of cumbersome hierarchies and inflexible structures. Today’s high-performing organisations can shift gears on a dime, adapting their business models and processes in response to real-time market demands. They are lean and built for speed.
- Constant Questioning: These organisations don’t operate on autopilot. They are in a perpetual state of self-reflection, constantly questioning and refining their core business model. This relentless introspection ensures their strategies remain relevant and their offerings continue to resonate with the market.
- Embracing the Unknown: Uncertainty is the new normal. New Age Organisations understand this and don’t shy away from the unknown. They foster a culture of resilience and adaptability, preparing themselves for whatever challenges the future may hold. Leaders cultivate a sense of psychological safety, encouraging employees to take calculated risks and explore new possibilities.
- Dharmic Foundation: These organisations operate with a strong moral compass. “Dharma” in this context, refers to a commitment to purpose, fairness, and integrity. Building trust and acting ethically are not just buzzwords; they are core values woven into the culture of the organisation. New-age organisations understand that long-term success is built on trust and social responsibility.
- Scientifically Driven: Intuition may play a role, but data reigns supreme. New Age Organisations leverage data analytics and scientific principles to inform their decision-making. They understand that emotions and hunches can be unreliable; data-driven insights provide a clearer picture of the current landscape and potential future scenarios.
The Lighter You Are The Faster You Go
High “mass” organisations are weighed down by outdated structures, inflexible processes, underperforming resources, rigid mindsets and a culture that doesn’t encourage innovation. The key to
acceleration lies in reducing “Mass.” This doesn’t imply neglecting employees or resources – it means strategically shedding what no longer serves the organisation. This could mean streamlining processes,
divesting non-performing assets, or upskilling employees to meet the demands of the new normal.
The Enemy Within Resistance to Change
So what holds businesses back from achieving this new-age ideal? The answer lies within – a concept known as “Sthirata”, resistance to change – the internal inertia of the organisation. This internal inertia manifests in several ways:
Ω Leaders and Employees: Both the C-suite and the workforce can be resistant to change. Entrenched mindsets, outdated skills, and a fear of the unknown can create a powerful roadblock to transformation.
Ω Processes and Infrastructure: Rigid and legacy systems can stifle innovation and agility. Organisations must re-evaluate their operational frameworks and identify areas for streamlining or adopting new technologies.
Ω Suppliers and Network: Even if an organisation itself is willing to change, external dependencies can slow them down. Businesses need to build partnerships with vendors and collaborators who are equally
committed to innovation. Building a Sustainable Future As business leaders chart a course for the future,
the imperative lies in fostering a culture of innovation, agility, adaptability and resilience. By embracing change, questioning traditional paradigms and existing business and operating models, and committing to a purpose-driven approach, organisations can position themselves as agile, forward-thinking entities capable of thriving in an ever-evolving business landscape. By adopting smart manufacturing technologies and harnessing the power of digital workplace solutions, organisations can increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance adaptability in the rapidly changing business landscape. By leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, human resources can be freed up to focus on tasks that require emotional intelligence, empathy, and creativity; an approach that not only increases operational efficiency but also enhances the overall quality of work by leveraging the unique strengths of both humans and technology.
Conclusion
The post-Covid era presents a unique opportunity for organisations to reinvent themselves, embrace change, and accelerate their transformational journey. By shedding inertia, reducing mass, and committing to a culture of continuous improvement, businesses can navigate the challenges of today’s dynamic business environment and emerge as resilient, agile, and future-ready entities. The path to success lies in embracing change, fostering innovation, and building a sustainable foundation for long term growth and prosperity.
