Traditional operating models are no longer sustainable in environments driven by technological development, evolving customer behaviour and competitive pressure. Integrating operations and changing organisational structures are challenging exercises at the best of times. Now the accelerated pace of business demands a multilateral approach whereby governance, process, technological, organisational and workforce changes are implemented not in sequence but in conjunction with one another.

The significant shift towards agile operating models means that cross functional teams are gaining ground while the importance of functional roles diminishes. Different skills are in demand in this time of continuous change.

The World Economic Forum anticipates that between now and 2020 there will be a considerably increased demand for cognitive abilities (+52 %), systems skills (+42 %) and complex problem-solving skills (+40 %). A better balance between hard and soft skills is inevitable to succeed. Companies must facilitate the development of both and build learning agility.

 

Recommended reading:

http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_FOW_Reskilling_Revolution.pdf