Strategy Lab

In a recent workshop on new ways of working and hybrid working model , we were asked to reflect on what we appreciate the most about working from the office. The top answer was clear: the human element—social relationships, face-to-face interactions, and personal connections. These elements are not just perks of office life; they are essential to our sense of fulfillment and happiness. Why is this human connection so important? At the heart of happiness is a sense of belonging and purpose, which often comes from our interactions with others and the feeling that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Without these connections, we might feel a void that no amount of technology or digital interaction can replace. The shift to remote and hybrid work models has its benefits—flexibility, no commute, and working from anywhere. But it also means we lose spontaneous interactions- chatting over lunch or coffee, exchanging casual brainstorms, and experiencing the everyday c...

Once upon a time, there were two workers at a large construction site, building something huge. You walk up to the first worker and ask, "Do you like your job? "He replies, "Honestly, it's tough. The sun is burning hot, and all I do is lift heavy stones, one after another. It’s exhausting, and I don't even know if I'll live long enough to see the building finished. So no, I don't like it at all." Sounds fair, right? Then you go to the second worker and ask him the same question.He says, "Yeah, it’s hard work, and the sun is brutal. My back hurts from lifting these stones every day, and like everyone else, I’m not sure if I'll see the final result. But you know what? I love what I do. Because I’m not just lifting stones—I’m helping to build the Burj Khalifa!" Both workers are doing the same job. But the second worker finds meaning in his work. He knows why he's doing it—he's part of something big. That's what make...

Blue is a beautiful color, often associated with tranquility and calm. Yet, in the tech world, it can also evoke a more ominous sentiment, reminiscent of the Grim Reaper's quote: "Death is beautiful." The CrowdStrike update issue serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected our systems have become and how a single software glitch can ripple through various sectors, affecting daily life in profound ways. As technology advances, the complexity of systems increases, leading to more potential points of failure. Each incident, such as this one, underscores the importance of robust contingency planning and the constant need for improvement in system stability and security. What is the Blue Screen of Death? The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is an error screen displayed by the Microsoft Windows operating system upon encountering a critical system error that causes the system to crash. This error is usually due to hardware or driver issues, but it can also be caused ...

  In today's fast-paced business environment, organizations face the dual challenge of staying competitive while adapting to rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands. Central to meeting these challenges is the strategic management of human capital through competency modeling—a structured approach that aligns employee skills with organizational goals. Here, we explore how competency modeling serves as a blueprint for organizational success, driving performance, innovation, and agility. Understanding Competency Modeling Competency modeling goes beyond traditional job analysis by defining the essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) required for superior job performance across all levels of an organization. Unlike static job descriptions, competency models evolve with the organization, reflecting strategic priorities, industry trends, and future job requirements. They provide a clear framework for assessing, developing, and opti...

Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a senior and highly respected top management executive within our organization. Our discussion centered on the critical topic of employee engagement and its profound importance in today's organizational landscape. Drawing from this insightful dialogue, I'm excited to share practical strategies and profound insights that can help organizations foster a culture of engagement and drive sustainable success in 2024. Understanding Employee Engagement Employee engagement is the emotional commitment employees feel towards their organization. At Strategy Lab, we recognize that engagement goes beyond traditional measures of job satisfaction. It encompasses the depth of connection employees have with their work, colleagues, and the organization's mission. By focusing on five core elements—Meaning, Autonomy, Growth, Impact, and Connection—we aim to cultivate an environment where employees are not only satisfied but also ...

In today's fast-paced business environment, the imperative to upskill and reskill employees extends far beyond mere capability enhancement—it's a cornerstone of organizational strategy that directly influences engagement and profitability. Drawing from my extensive experience in the banking sector, I've witnessed firsthand how robust reskilling initiatives can transform not only individual competencies but also organizational dynamics. Cultivating Unique Talents and Addressing Skill Gaps Effective reskilling initiatives empower organizations to cultivate unique talents and bridge critical skill gaps. By nurturing a culture of continuous learning, businesses not only bolster employee satisfaction but also enhance their capacity to innovate and adapt to evolving market demands. This dual benefit not only boosts operational efficiency but also sets the stage for sustained growth and competitiveness. Integration into Business Strategy and Leadership Involvement The key to succe...