Generative culture types on the rise in companies
While traversing through a series of articles on my Feedly and Substack, I stumbled upon an intriguing piece on Unleash.ai discussing "dynamic organizations." Authored by Allie Nawrat and underpinned by research from the Josh Bersin Company, the article unveils some noteworthy insights amidst a sea of words.
A New Landscape of Labor Scarcity
We're not in 1995 anymore, the era when the term ‘war for talent’ was coined, signaling the scarce availability of tech jobs. Enderes, sharing insights on stage at UNLEASH World, brought to light a broader spectrum of labor scarcity in today's market. This shift, as explained by the researchers, propels companies towards a more continuous and dynamic evolution to navigate the modern market's turbulence.
Embracing Continuous Transformation
Dynamic organizations epitomize the essence of change, always on the lookout for external shifts and adept at adapting swiftly. The narrative has transitioned from episodic transformation to a journey of continuous metamorphosis. This paradigm resonates with me profoundly as a proponent of the generative type of organizational culture, which I believe is the linchpin for companies aiming to survive, flourish, and advance in their respective domains.
Nurturing a Sense of Belonging
Another trend gaining traction is the burgeoning care and inclusivity toward employees, making them feel an integral part of the organizational fabric. This echoes R. Westrum's theory quite well: the inability of rule or power-oriented cultures to foster care and attention, inevitably leading them to a path of obsolescence.
Transitioning from Jobs to Skills
The spotlight is shifting from defined 'jobs' to a more fluid 'skills '-based talent management framework. With job definitions becoming increasingly nebulous, the value of jack-of-all-trades and T-shaped professionals is skyrocketing. They are the catalysts aiding companies in bridging gaps across diverse contexts, topics, and technologies by bringing a broader skill set to the table.
The Trend of Internal Hires
Due to the arid job market, there's a discernible inclination towards internal hires over scouting for external talents. This not only helps in retaining the existing talent pool but also in nurturing a culture of growth and learning within the organization.
Looking Ahead
The evolving dynamics underscored in the article are a testament to a shift towards more generative organizational cultures. As our generation and the subsequent ones strive for these enriching cultures, it's palpable that companies willing to morph with these evolving paradigms will stand a better chance at attracting and retaining talent. The wheel of change is in motion, and adapting to it is no longer a choice but a quintessential strategy for sustainable success.
A surprise?
But is this revelation surprising? Reflecting on my interactions with tech companies over the last 15 years, this trend of fostering a dynamic organization isn't new or unexpected. The ethos has been around, as depicted in Capt. Abrashoff's enlightening book "It's Your Ship." HR professionals are not just recognizing this; they are embracing and weaving these dynamics into the organizational fabric.
The good news? It signifies a promising shift in the mindset at the C-level echelons, opening doors to more generative cultural frameworks within organizations. As we gradually steer away from pathological and bureaucratic cultures, the horizon seems to hold a promise of workplaces where adaptability and inclusivity are the norm rather than the exception.
I can't help but harbor a positive outlook. Although the transition might not be smooth sailing, the move towards dynamic, skill-centric, and inclusive work cultures is a leap in the right direction. And from where I stand, it's a leap worth taking.