Tip: Core Issues for Success in 2017

The ability to embrace and to adapt to change quickly and effectively is perhaps the most important issue for entities today. Technology, politics, demographic changes and global issues continue to create challenges to today’s interconnected world. More than ever, management and employees need to work together on ways to innovate to stay on top. Technology is a major consideration for nearly every entity, but it might surprise you to consider just how important the human touch is, too.

Here are some considerations on what it will take to lead, and succeed, in 2017:

1. Millennials have come of age

We can no longer categorize this generation as being fresh out of college or grad school.  The youngest of the millennials now are approaching their mid-thirties. Attracting experienced employees and managers means entities owners might need to rethink some old ideas. As a group, millennials are socially motivated and innovative. Understanding their motivations and values will be key to attracting vital new talent.

2. Employee communication and motivation

Managers know they’re supposed to review and appraise those who report to them. For a variety of reasons, employee reviews frequently are postponed, ignored or pushed to the bottom of the to-do list at entities both large and small. For employees to feel fully vested in the entity where they work, they need truthful information and fair and compassionate feedback. Today, successful bosses are those who not only critique, but also listen, lead by example and recognize good performance.

3. Transparency

Entities are seeing more pressure to increase transparency and two-way communication with their employees and the public. Social media, investor activism and a host of other factors have increased distrust, and more entities are feeling the pressure to be more transparent.

4. Diversity and inclusion

Entities in a variety of sectors are demonstrating their commitment to developing an inclusive culture. They recognize it is crucial to their success. Engaged, motivated employees expect to see diversity, real inclusion and gender parity. Consider your own entity: What messages are you sending when it comes to diversity, inclusion and gender equality?

5. Productivity

Entities that are open to new workplace ideas, including flexible working hours and conditions, will reap the benefits in increased productivity and employee loyalty. Entities that are willing to use technology to allow their employees to work from home are well positioned to thrive in the coming years.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of issues, but it’s a starting place for your own brainstorming.