Future Relevance in Business & Life
With Abhijit Bhaduri
In a thought-provoking episode of the CTQ SmartCast, Harish had an engrossing conversation with Abhijit Bhaduri, a renowned author and expert in understanding the shifts in the modern workplace. Abhijit illuminated crucial aspects of his book "Dreamers and Unicorns" and explored the future relevance of organizations and individuals amidst the rapid changes brought by the pandemic.
Welcoming Abhijit Bhaduri, Harish kicked off the conversation by emphasising the collective admiration the audience holds for him.
Five Key Shifts in the Hybrid World of Work:
Harish sought Abhijit's expertise on the five significant shifts in the hybrid work model, which he eloquently described:
1. Boundaryless Organizations: Abhijit highlighted how successful companies like Apple and Google operate across global boundaries, integrating resources and talent from around the world. He emphasized that today's organizations must transcend traditional limits and embrace a global approach.
2. Understanding Emotions: He underscored the importance of emotional intelligence in business, noting that organizations need to comprehend and leverage emotions for better decision-making and customer engagement.
3. Coexisting Polarities: Abhijit explained that in the modern workplace, diverse work models like freelancing and full-time employment coexist. The challenge for leaders is to manage these polarities effectively.
4. Valuing Intangibles: This shift calls for an understanding of intangible assets like brand influence and social capital. Abhijit illustrated this with examples of influencers whose value far exceeds traditional metrics.
5. Perpetual Beta: The concept of continuous evolution reflects the state of flux in which organizations operate. The pandemic has shown that flexibility and adaptability are crucial, as the norms are constantly changing.
Relevance in the Indian Context
Harish probed how these shifts apply to the Indian context, drawing parallels between the coexistence of modern retail and traditional kirana shops. Abhijit validated that these shifts are indeed relevant in India, emphasizing the nation's unique cultural and social diversity.
Building a Future-Relevant Organization
Harish and Abhijit discussed how organizations, regardless of their size, must adapt to these shifts. Leadership, talent, and culture were identified as core drivers of growth. Abhijit stressed the importance of organizations focusing on mission, vision, and more importantly, the genuine motivation behind individual actions.
The Critical Role of Employer Branding
Employer branding emerged as a pivotal theme. Abhijit illustrated how a strong employer brand reduces talent acquisition costs and highlights the organization's culture and career opportunities. This, in turn, attracts the right talent aligned with the company’s values.
Embracing Content and Media
In the digital age, content and media play a supreme role in shaping organisational culture and brand. Abhijit advocated for the curation of diverse content to maintain engagement and relevance. He also emphasised the growing importance of audio and visual content in building personal and organisational narratives.
The Permanence of Human Personality
Despite the evolving landscape, Abhijit pointed out that human personality remains constant. Motivation and passion are intrinsic qualities that drive individuals to excel. This fundamental aspect of human behaviour should be at the core of organisational strategies.
Personal Shifts Amidst the Pandemic
Reflecting on personal changes, Abhijit shared how the pandemic altered his business model, enabling global collaborations even as he missed the energizing interactions of in-person meetings and travel. Despite the challenges, he has embraced new learning opportunities in arts and technology.
Hot Takes on Future Relevance
In a rapid-fire segment, Abhijit offered his perspectives on various topics: -
Future of Physical Office Spaces: An “and” world where remote and in-office work will coexist.
Future of Books: Books will remain relevant, evolving into various formats, including audio and digital.
Future of B Schools: B schools will continue to be relevant, focusing more on soft skills and practical applications.
Future of Bollywood: Bollywood will persist as a significant cultural force, evolving with societal shifts and technological advancements.
Conclusion
The conversation between Harish and Abhijit Bhaduri provided valuable insights
into navigating the future of work. As organizations and individuals confront unprecedented changes, embracing boundary-less thinking, emotional intelligence, and continuous evolution will be key to staying relevant and successful.
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