The framework to take the decision to outsource elements of your organisation's operations has changed in the 21st century. The long-term consequences of outsourcing without considering the very foundations of organisations are becoming more apparent. The real problem with outsourcing is “fracturing”, the splitting of what should be integrated parts of the organisation.
Read MoreDrucker made it clear that leaders, managers, academics and researchers in the fields of organisations, management, communication and change need to challenge the very foundations and assumptions of their work. Roddick said "we went looking for employees, but people turned up instead." The starting points for all organisations are people and values.
Read MoreBudget cuts, especially when they relate to labour cuts, have dramatically unkind impacts on the people in your organisation, their morale, the ability to get the work done. They result in long-term hardship to your people (or former people in the case of labour cuts) and their families, as well as having a broader impact on customers and communities. History tells us that budget cuts are often the beginning of the end for companies, leading to eventual closure, takeover or liquidation.
Read MoreIt is important that as Australia creates its strategy for the Asian Century we realise we are well beyond the transactional relationships that apparently continue to occupy the minds of those in government, business and media. Australia needs to work hard to move from the little lot down the road to become part of Asia's back yard.
Read MoreIn the Asian century, business as usual is not enough. Because what we know clearly is there isn't a single aspect of government policies and national planning that won't be touched by the great changes to come. Food security and foreign investment, immigration and education, stock market structures and financial regulation, energy policy and environmental standards.
Read MoreThe key theme is that in one way or another, price will always be part of your competitive offering. What is important for long-term success is how you define the role price plays. It needs to be the best role for your business, in line with the shared values between yourself and your customers.
Read MoreAs well as being central in Asia and having a heritage with European influences, Malaysia has strong links into the sub-continent, South West Asia, the Middle East and the newer Islamic republics in the region. There will be many business opportunities in these regions in the years to come.
Read MoreI remember well the stunned reaction of a senior management team when I presented a detailed strategy and action plan that eliminated my own role from the organisation. Before the presentation, I was seen to be talking to a lot of people at all levels of the organisation, therefore I was plotting. It never occured to any of them I would advise they change the nature of my own position and employ a person more suitable to the needs of the organisation.
Read MoreIf you think in terms of perfection, you are setting yourself and your organisation up for failure, and you will be unable to create long term sustainable success.
Read MoreCompetition is a learning and growth experience. By competing, we learn from those with similar values and goals, including our customers and competitors, and find inspiration and methods to improve our own performance.
Read MoreCorporate Growing Pains can also be a valuable experience, if you recognise them and get the help you need to get through them. But there is no single right answer. The solution will vary from organisation to organisation, because the things we share, the things that are important vary from organisation to organisation.
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