This week, Lee writes about the limitations of outsourcing as a strategic tool, and how we need more sophisticated approaches to capability development and partnering in uncertain times
Where most organisations are cutting back and dealing with the financial impact of COVID, do you see it as an iterative process of (re)building this integrative thinking and approach (starting on key capabilities)?
As they say, there is never going to be a time when change is a cheap as it is now.
Good question. I think this will depend on confident, long-term management thinking. Whilst others keep cutting people and becoming more 'efficient' (or brittle) until they need to retreat or downsize, those with a longer term view and incentives will see (as you say) the opportunity to quietly re-invest savings in becoming more integrated and resilient. But if you switch from a core competencies view to a capability view, then in most companies you will see gaps to fill and capabilities to connect that can move you forward.
Where most organisations are cutting back and dealing with the financial impact of COVID, do you see it as an iterative process of (re)building this integrative thinking and approach (starting on key capabilities)?
As they say, there is never going to be a time when change is a cheap as it is now.
Good question. I think this will depend on confident, long-term management thinking. Whilst others keep cutting people and becoming more 'efficient' (or brittle) until they need to retreat or downsize, those with a longer term view and incentives will see (as you say) the opportunity to quietly re-invest savings in becoming more integrated and resilient. But if you switch from a core competencies view to a capability view, then in most companies you will see gaps to fill and capabilities to connect that can move you forward.