In this blog series, we sit down with our experts to glean their insights on the global market – where it’s going and how you can prepare to go where you want to grow.
How are you guiding clients toward growth right now?
Niraj Patel, Senior Manager, Columbus — Hybrid work is here to stay, and it’s imperative clients establish both operational and people processes to sustain productivity. Having the right technology to enable this hybrid work environment is foundational, but organizations will see an exodus of talent if the culture or processes don’t support this model. I think our clients realize they are no longer competing for talent at a local level. The fight to keep talent is national and having a strong hybrid work approach is crucial.
Managers need to lead and think differently in this environment. They need to ensure they are providing the proper tools and guidance so their team members can be productive without worrying about outdated technology and processes. Also, managers need to continue normal touchpoints with remote employees and ensure proper development is happening. This was a challenge pre-COVID and continues. Great managers will utilize frequent touch bases and virtual meetings to continue providing proper support and development and individualizing the connections based on their team members’ preferences. If they don’t, then the likelihood of talented team members leaving an organization will undoubtedly increase.
Ruchika Gupta, Data & Analytics Consultant, Centric India — One thing I have learned working in this industry is that you must be a good listener first. Only then can you offer clients your best. I connect with clients, listen to their requirements, observe their current situation, and then give the solution that best meets their needs.
Kim Howland, Senior Manager, Cincinnati — I’m helping clients navigate the “opportunities” revealed thru an unprecedented year. These take the form of broken or inefficient processes as well as the effect on culture and collaboration that may be suffering as a result of remote work (or a hybrid model).
Shiv Mohan, Data & Analytics Senior Consultant, Centric India — While working on an insurance client with over 30 source systems, I got the chance to provide a consultation for not only implementing technology solutions, but I also provided more complex data solutions, which included analysis, design proposal and solution development for some of most complex data design and analytical solutions.
Mohit Singh, Data & Analytics Consultant, Centric India — My current role is to be a data custodian for my clients. I help them make informed business decisions with real and near real-time data analysis and business intelligence, and pattern and trend analysis. I work on data discovery and establishing procedures for sharing and making data available for the stakeholders.
Shannon Stickney, Local People and Change Lead, Columbus — Every single person’s world has changed drastically, and people are not operating under the same circumstances they were in the past. I have seen this impact people’s receptivity to other changes, such as those in their work lives. I find guiding clients through this dynamic when they are introducing change is really important to gaining support and engagement. Sometimes we forget the cumulative effects that multiple changes can have on people.
Natalie Bullock, People and Change Manager, Cincinnati — I am currently focusing on guiding clients on how to transition from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams and helping them see the true value of the ability to communicate and collaborate virtually. In the midst of this remote or hybrid work environment, tensions can be high, and individuals can quickly find themselves at odds with one another simply due to miscommunication. I love guiding clients to see how often the situation is a perceived conflict rather than a true conflict and giving them the tools to reconcile and move forward stronger. Microsoft Teams is a wonderful tool to facilitate more effective communication and remove some of those opportunities for perceived conflict.