Are we Expecting Too Much from our Workforce?
Any discussion about the workforce of the future, the digital future, transforming organisations, innovation etc. inevitably leads to a description of the ‘desired’ people capabilities needed for success.
The world is an increasingly complex place so deep technical expertise in technology, cyber, design, innovation is a must in addition to traditional knowledge areas such as economics, governance, law, accounting, risk management etc. If that’s not enough we also need well developed interpersonal skills, be a great collaborator, be a more strategic thinker, deliver to outcomes and more.
Its an area that organisations have been trying to address over many years through selection processes, development programs, work placements, multidisciplinary teams for their existing workforces with variable success.
If we don’t have a groundswell of the ‘desired’ expertise today, why do we think it will suddenly materialise tomorrow? Are we expecting too much of an already overwhelmed and variably engaged workforce? Have we underestimated the ability of a technology-focused younger generation often criticised for lacking interpersonal skills to transform?
Well, yes if they knew what was needed, they knew how to achieve it and they had the time to focus. And if those things were so easily resolved, today’s workforce would be much more aligned with what organisations say they need but don’t yet have.
We spend too much time on formulating the ‘perfect’ transformation and in the process over complicate the change, establish a ‘destination’ mindset and adversely impact the ‘heart’ commitment of the workforce.
The way forward requires better understanding of the strengths that contribute to performance in a role. We then need to apply the strengths we have, understand those we don’t have and reframe our approach to mentoring to facilitate filling the gaps with the expertise of others from within and external to the organisation.
Don’t expect your workforce to be all things – support them in filling gaps by reframing mentoring to focus on enhancing capability for tomorrow by achieving business outcomes today.