We are moving through another revolution, on that touches every aspect of our global society. This revolution is opening new and exciting doors to all social and economic areas of our society. It allows for all to participate regardless of where they live, what race they belong to or what organization they are affiliated with, all we need is a hook up to the internet; however we decide to hook up!
So, what does that really mean to us individually and professionally? It certainly gives us an opportunity to be involved with many more aspects of society than we have been able to in the past. Connectivity used to be within local neighborhoods, now it is within local communities that are spread throughout the world via the internet. Our children will grow up with cyber friends across the world, while we felt it was “cool” to have a pen pal from Pennsylvania. The impact on their thinking and the way they process information is formidable. Their minds are not bound by the constraints that we were socialized to as we grew up. They truly are the future of not just this country, but this world.
Professionally, the impact of the globalization of the consumer will be significant. I can’t help but wonder though, what will happen to the ego? In a world of collaboration or peering, how will the majority of corporations and individuals feed their egos? I believe it is this ego that stands in the way of most effective collaboration. Notice, effective collaboration. Will the threat of extinction be enough for companies to open themselves to the opportunities presented by letting others inside their hallowed walls? I find that difficult to believe. I think many companies will go down without understanding what happened to them. If collaboration really is the new leadership currency, companies will have to learn how to foster and encourage real collaboration that results in changes and enhancements, not the traditional attempts that foster idea sharing with little execution.
Openness, peering, sharing and acting globally will require the relinquishment of well established ways of doing business. It will be frightening for most individuals and corporations. However, the possibilities are endless. Today, the small business person can play on even ground with the large corporations. In fact, they may be in a better position to drive growth because they are not hampered by the baggage many established firms are. Larger organization should be looking to partner and leverage relationships with these emerging businesses to grow and develop their markets. The message is that the opportunities are limitless, if you are willing to engage differently in the marketplace.
"If collaboration really is the new leadership currency, companies will have to learn how to foster and encourage real collaboration that results in changes and enhancements, not the traditional attempts that foster idea sharing with little execution."
ReplyDeleteYes!!! I see this ALL THE TIME in my organization. While some of the lack of change is, I know, a lack of resources, it is also a lack of support for those changes. The changes aren't given the priority they need in order to get the resources they need. Whatever the case, the lack of follow-through is so frustrating and demoralizing, that your statement about "effective collaboration" really rings true with me.