Seize & Replicate
As Abraham Lincoln (former president of USA) said,
“the only way to predict the future is to create it”
To Seize & Replicate. This is the capability to quickly determine a response to an emerging opportunity (or threat). When an initiative in one part of the network is gaining traction, to be able to quickly disseminate the insight and knowledge to other markets or business units where a similar approach may also be beneficial. Corporations with dispersed networks need to work particularly hard to ensure the rapid transfer and application of knowledge and experience; which may be most effectively achieved by the movement of people. Corporations with dispersed networks may also have more opportunities for reapplying insight created elsewhere, thus they may be able to multiply the benefits achieved.
Three key mechanisms can significantly enhance the capability to Seize & Replicate.
- Move people, to access expertise. The fastest way to replicate (or create initial application) success of an innovation (e.g. from one location or business unit to another) is through moving the people who were intimately involved with the first application (or with the concept generation). This minimises hand-offs, whilst promoting sharing knowledge and allowing adaption for the new context. The repeated application also deepens experience further accelerating results.
- Organisation design: Clusters not Regions. The mobility of people and knowledge is fastest when the design and policies of an organisation accentuate the sense of being on the same team. Regional or business unit structures and allegiances can mitigate the desired mobility. Cross-silo team memberships and new organisation designs aligned with common themes (e.g. market-place dynamics) are replacing traditional approaches and matrices defined by geographic-business unit-functional definitions.
- Shape the future. As market-spaces are increasingly in flux, there is increased attention on the role of the institution/corporation as an actor that shapes the future that unfolds. This ambition energises stakeholders; attracting investors and high-quality talent. As momentum builds, other members of the ecosystem are drawn in, media attention multiplies; which increases the influence of the corporation to shape the unfolding future.
Accelerating Outcomes AND Enhancing Capabilities.