The GWFM International Summit 2024, held in September 2024 in Bangalore, brought together global leaders, innovators, and workforce management experts to discuss the most pressing issues shaping the future of organizations. A key highlight of the summit was an engaging and thought-provoking roundtable discussion moderated by  Jay Parikh, a prominent WFM Leader, on the trending theme:

“In today’s fast-paced business world, change and agility are essential for survival and growth. Organizations must understand their ‘why’—the core motivation behind embracing change and agility—to effectively navigate and thrive amidst constant challenges and shifts.”

This theme set the stage for an enlightening conversation about how organizations can align their core purpose with strategies for agility and transformation. The distinguished panel of experts shared real-world experiences, insights, and actionable strategies that highlighted the importance of understanding and communicating the “why” behind the change.

Eminent The panelists were part of it

1) Radhika Narang Malia, WFM Leader, Deloitte India  

2) Amar Reddy, CTO, Datanitiv

3)Simran Bomrah, Sr. Manager WFM, indigo

4) Sunil Karkera, WFM Leader, Tech Mahindra

5) Veena Bramhakal , Global WFM VP, Fractal  

6) Rajashekhar G N, WFM Leader, Wipro

Key Discussion Points from the Roundtable**

1. Defining the Organization’s “Why”

The panelists delved into the importance of clearly identifying and articulating the organization’s “why.” The discussion explored:

– How understanding the core motivation behind embracing change and agility enables organizations to align their teams and stakeholders.

– Personal anecdotes where clarity on the organization’s purpose helped navigate challenges.

One panelist shared a compelling story of a pivotal organizational shift driven by their “why,” demonstrating how it became the north star for decision-making during a period of uncertainty.

2. Aligning Strategy with the “Why”

The discussion then turned to how leaders align long-term strategies and daily operations with their core purpose:

– Prioritizing Initiatives: Panelists shared frameworks for prioritizing projects and initiatives that align with their organization’s motivations, especially during times of disruption.

– Influence on Decisions: They highlighted how the “why” serves as a guiding principle, ensuring consistency across decisions made at all levels of the organization.

One leader emphasized the importance of revisiting the “why” regularly to ensure it remains relevant and deeply embedded in all strategic planning processes.

3. Overcoming Resistance to Change

Resistance to change is a common hurdle in embedding agility within organizations. The panelists shared insights on:

– Addressing Pushback: Practical methods to overcome skepticism and fear of change among employees and stakeholders.

– Motivating Teams: Strategies to keep teams aligned with the organization’s “why,” even during periods of significant uncertainty or major transitions.

The importance of empathy, communication, and shared vision was underscored as critical tools for addressing resistance.

4. Role of Leadership in Driving Agility

The discussion highlighted the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a culture of agility:

– Leadership Transparency: Leaders must embody the organization’s values and maintain transparency during periods of change to build trust.

– Promoting Agility: Panelists shared actionable ways leaders can encourage agile thinking and practices within their teams.

One panelist shared an example of how their leadership team modeled agility in response to an unexpected market disruption, inspiring the workforce to rally behind the company’s purpose.

5. Agility in Practice: Success Stories

Real-life examples of agility in action were shared, showcasing how organizations pivoted in response to challenges:

– Unexpected Opportunities: Instances where agility allowed organizations to seize market opportunities or mitigate risks effectively.

– Embedding Agility as a Core Value: Strategies for ensuring agility becomes a permanent organizational trait rather than a reactive measure.

6. Sustaining Growth Through Change

The panel explored the delicate balance between agility and sustainability:

– Long-Term Vision: How to maintain focus on long-term goals while staying adaptable to immediate challenges.

– Targeted Efforts: Using the “why” as a lens to identify where agility efforts should be focused for maximum impact.

Panelists emphasized that agility should not be an end in itself but a means to ensure continuous growth and resilience.

7. Evolving the “Why” Over Time

As business environments evolve, so must the “why.” The discussion touched upon:

– How organizations adapt their core motivations in response to external forces such as digital transformation, economic disruptions, and shifting customer behaviors.

– Ensuring the “why” remains meaningful to employees, customers, and stakeholders.

8. Future of Agility in Business

The roundtable concluded with a forward-looking discussion on trends shaping the future of agility:

– Technological Advancements: The role of AI and emerging technologies in enhancing change management and workforce agility.

– Future-Ready Organizations: How companies can better integrate their “why” with cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

Conclusion: The Essence of Agility and the “Why”

The panel discussion provided a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between agility and the purpose that drives organizations. Key takeaways included:

– Understanding the organization’s “why” is critical to navigating change with clarity and focus.

– Aligning strategies and decisions with this purpose ensures consistency and fosters resilience.

– Leadership, transparency, and communication are essential for overcoming resistance and sustaining growth through change.

The insights from this discussion will undoubtedly inspire organizations to reflect on their own “why” and use it as a foundation for driving agility and success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Resource: GWFM International Summit 2024

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