








Leaderswhoearnrespectdosobyconsistentlydeliveringmorethanthey promise.Thisprincipleiscrucialinestablishingtrustandcredibility.When leadersmakecommitments,theyshouldaimtoexceedthoseexpectations, ratherthansimplymeetthem.Researchshowsthat70%ofemployeesfeel moreengagedwhentheytrusttheirleaders,highlightingtheimportanceof integrityinleadership.
Aleader'sabilitytofollowthroughonpromisesbuildsastrongfoundationfor relationshipswithinateam.Forinstance,ifaleadercommitstoproviding resourcesforaproject,deliveringthoseresourcesaheadofschedulecan significantlyboostteammoraleandproductivity.Ontheotherhand,leaders whofrequentlyoverpromiseandunderdelivercancreateacultureofskepticism anddisengagement.Infact,studiesindicatethat50%ofemployeeswho perceivetheirleadersasuntrustworthyarelikelytoleavetheirjobswithina year.
Moreover,effectiveleadersunderstandthevalueoftransparency.Bybeing openabouttheircapabilitiesandlimitations,theysetrealisticexpectations.This approachnotonlyfostersapositiveworkenvironmentbutalsoencourages teammemberstocommunicateopenlyabouttheirchallengesandneeds.
Inconclusion,leaderswhoprioritizeintegrityandconsistentlydelivermore thantheypromisetocultivateacultureofrespectandtrust.Thisnotonly enhancesteamperformancebutalsocontributestooverallorganizational success.Asthesayinggoes, “Underpromise and overdeliver” isamantrathat canguideleaderstowardearninggenuinerespectandloyaltyfromtheirteams.
Highlightingonesuchindividual,InsightsSuccess,initslatesteditiontitled “Top Dynamic Leaders Making a Difference in 2024,” featuresGunarani Ganasagaranasthecoverstory,recognizinghercontributionsanddedication tosuperiority.
Have a wonderful read ahead!
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Gunarani Ganasagaran: Naviga ng the Complexi es of Sustainability with Passion and Precision
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What Do You Need to Know About AI in Renewable Energy Management for Construc on Sites?
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Protec ng Farm Workers from Summer Hazards: A Safety Checklist
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The Power of An -Strategy: Learning from Failure in Business
26. Why Conven onal Wisdom is Failing Modern Leaders
Navigating the Complexities of Sustainability with Passion and Precision
Pivotal to her success, Gunarani firmly believes in “expanding the pie” rather than engaging in a sharegain dogfight, emphasizing the importance of growth and collaboration over competition.
Gunarani Ganasagaran Director LRQA
Withabackgroundin
engineeringandextensive experiencein sustainability,Gunarani Ganasagaranhascarvedoutaunique andmultifacetedcareerpath.Her professionalbackgroundandcareer journeyhavetrulybeenanadventurous ridefilledwithexcitingopportunities andchallenges.Itallbeganwithher graduationfromtheUniversityof MalayawithaBachelor'sinChemical Engineering–whichsetthefoundation fordevelopingproblem-solvingskills, fosteringastrongworkethic,and promotingattentiontodetail.
Sheembarkedonabriefstintasa chemicalengineerbeforemakinga courageousleapintotherealmof internalauditwithaleading conglomeratebasedinMalaysia.Her careertrajectorytookafascinatingturn whenshediscoveredhertruepassion forsustainabilityconsultancyduring hertenureatKPMGinMalaysia.
Sincethen,shehonedherskillsand specializedincrucialaspectsof sustainability-thisjourneyledherto assumeseniorrolesatKPMGinSouth AfricaandIreland,allowingherto delvedeeperintothegloballandscape ofsustainability.Throughouther career,Gunaranihasdemonstrateda remarkableabilitytoadaptandexcelin diverseenvironments.Herunique blendofengineeringandsustainability knowledgehasenabledhertotackle complexchallengeswithinnovative solutions.
Currently,Gunaraniservesasthe DirectorofSustainabilityConsulting fortheAsiaPacificregionatLRQA, theleadingglobalassurancepartner.In thisrole,shedeliverssustainability solutionsthatnotonlymeettheneeds ofclientsbutalsocontributetothe broadergoalofcreatingamore sustainablefuture.Byleveragingher
expertiseandexperience,Gunaraniand herteamstrivetodrivemeaningful outcomesthatresonateacrosstheAsia Pacificregionandbeyond.
Gunarani'sstrengthsasasustainability consultanthavecontributedimmensely tohersuccess.Heradaptability, patience,anddeterminationhave enabledhertodeliverhigh-quality solutionsthatdrivepositivechange.As shecontinuestonavigatethe progressivedomainofsustainability consulting,herpassion,expertise,and vowtoingenuitywillundoubtedly positionherasatrailblazerinthefield, directingamoresustainablefuturefor businesses,communities,andthe planet.
Let us learn more about her journey:
Gunarani’sjourneyintothedomainof sustainabilityconsultingisdeeply establishedinheracademic backgroundandintrinsicpassionfor thesubject.Fromherearlydaysin secondaryschool,wheresheexcelled inphysicsandchemistry,toherpursuit ofadegreeinchemicalengineering, Gunaranihasalwaysbeendrawnto solvingcomplexproblems.
Herfascinationwithsustainability issuescanbelikenedtosolvingan equation,wherevariouscomponents suchasbusinessinterestsandsocietal needsmustbebalancedtoachieve optimaloutcomes.Thisanalytical approachhasguidedherthrougha careerdedicatedtoexploringthe intersectionsofkeysustainability topics,includingclimatechange, humanrights,responsiblesourcing, andsustainablefinance.
Throughouthercareer,Gunaranihas beeninspiredbyesteemedmentors whohaveshapedherunderstandingof
sustainabilityandreinforcedthe importanceofherroleasacatalystfor change.Shestates,“Theirguidance hasfueledmycommitmenttoseeking innovativesolutionsandadvocatingfor sustainablepractices.”
Inhercurrentrole,sheutilizesher extensiveexperiencetodrive meaningfuloutcomesthatresonate acrosstheAsiaPacificregionand beyond.Gunaraniismotivatedbythe opportunitytoworkinarapidly changinganddevelopingfield,where everyactionhasthepotentialtoshape amoresustainableworldforfuture generations.
LRQAhasbuiltareputationasa trustedpartnerinproviding comprehensivesolutionssupportedby data-driveninsights.Withapresencein over150countriesandaworkforce exceeding5,000,LRQA’sexpertise spanscompliance,supplychain management,cybersecurity,andESG consulting.Thecompany’seffortsare gearedtowardshelpingclients anticipate,reduce,andcontrolrisksin theiroperations,ultimately contributingtoasaferandmore sustainablefuture.
OneofthefoundationsofLRQA’s impactisitscommitmenttoenhancing thesustainabilityofbusinessesacross variousindustries.Thecompany’s teamof800ESGspecialistsworks diligentlytoaddresscriticalissues suchasfoodsafety,renewableenergy, andhumanrights.
Forinstance,LRQAannuallyaudits 20,000foodandbeveragesitesto ensurethesecurityandethicalsourcing ofthefoodweconsume.Additionally, thecompanyhassupportedover600 renewableenergyprojectsacross25 countriesinthepasttwoyears,
Gunarani emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, crucial for tackling the complex challenges inherent in the field.
demonstratingitsdedicationto reducingenvironmentalfootprints.
Gunarani’sleadershipstyleis characterizedbyherbeliefinthe uniquetalentsofeachindividualand hercommitmenttofosteringa solution-orientedmindsetwithinher team.Sherecognizesthatevery teammemberpossessestheirown “magic,”which,whennurtured, canleadtoinnovative problem-solvingapproaches.
Byprovidingsupportand guidancewhileallowing herteamthefreedomto exploretheirideas, Gunaranicreatesa positiveandproductive workculture.Her approachisrootedin theunderstandingthat motivatedand empowered individualsare essentialto
deliveringhigh-qualitysustainability solutionstoclients.
Hergreateststrengthasasustainability consultantliesinheradaptability, patience,consistency,and determination.Thesequalitieshave beenthebasisofherprofessional journey,drivinghertocontinuously pushboundariesandexplore innovativesolutions.
Pivotaltohersuccess,shefirmly believesin“expandingthepie”rather thanengaginginashare-gaindogfight, emphasizingtheimportanceofgrowth andcollaborationovercompetition.
Sustainabilityprojectsofteninvolve diversegroupswithvaryingpriorities andmethodologies.Gunarani approachesthesechallengesby activelylisteningandanalyzingthe issuesathandandprovidingsolutions basedonfactsanddata.She emphasizestheimportanceof conveningmeetingstoopenlydiscuss concernsandproposepotential solutions,steeringclearofsetting overlyambitiousprojectdeliverygoals ormakinginfeasiblepromises.
“Maintainingtransparencythroughout theprojectlifecycleiscrucialfor buildingtrustandcredibilityamong stakeholders,”sheasserts.Regular communicationchannelsensurethatall partiesareinformedofprogress, challenges,anddecisionsmade, allowingforfeedbackandadjustments tobemadepromptly
Whensettingmeaningfuland achievablesustainabilitygoalswith clients,Gunaraniconsidersvarious
Gunarani enjoys interacting with people from various professions and backgrounds. One of the major benefits of being a supply chain consultant for her is the chance to engage directly or indirectly with key internal and external stakeholders involved in the making or delivery of a client's products or services.
factorstodevelopatailoredstrategy Sheemphasizestheimportanceof understandingtheclient’sbusiness model,industry-specificchallenges, andregulatoryrequirements.
Byconductingcomprehensive assessmentsandleveragingdata-driven insights,Gunaraniandherteam identifykeyareasforimprovementand developactionableplansthatalign withtheclient’ssustainability objectives.Thisapproachensuresthat thegoalssetarerealistic,measurable, andalignedwiththebroader sustainabilityagenda.
Oneofthekeychallengesin sustainabilityconsultingisnavigating theincreasingcomplexityofESG regulatoryrequirements.Gunarani addressesthischallengebyutilizing technology-drivensupplychain intelligencetoolsandplatformslike EiQ.Thesetoolsprovide comprehensivesolutionstoenhance environmental,social,andgovernance visibilityandriskmanagement.
Forinstance,EiQleveragesmachine learningandon-sitedatatoempower companies,suppliers,andfinancial
institutionstomeetcustomer, regulator,andstakeholderdue diligencerequirementseffectively.By utilizingsuchplatforms,clientscan streamlinetheirresponsiblesourcing programsandfacilitatesustainable trade,makingcompliancewithESG regulationsmoremanageableand efficient.
Recentdevelopments,suchasthe newlyreleasedstatisticsfromthe SupplyChainESGGlobalRisk OutlookReport2024byLRQA,have influencedGunarani’sapproachto consulting.Thereporthighlighted significantareasofconcern,suchas elevatedrisksofforcedlaborinsupply chainsdespiteincreasedregulatory scrutiny.
Thisunderlinestheongoingchallenges facedbyorganizationsinmanaging supplychainriskseffectively.Gunarani viewsthisasanopportunitytofurther enhancehermethodologyand techniquestofacilitatebusinessesin adoptingrobustmeasuresanddue diligencepracticestoaddressthese concerningtrendsandensure compliancewithregulatory requirements.
Gunaraniemploysvariousmetricsand frameworkstotrackprogressand demonstratevaluetoclients.These includeassessingimprovementsin ESGperformance,reductionsin environmentalfootprints, enhancementsinsupplychain transparency,andadvancementsin humanrightsprotections.
Byprovidingclientswithclearand measurableoutcomes,Gunarani ensuresthatthevalueofsustainability initiativesistangibleandalignedwith theclient’sstrategicobjectives.
Gunaraniisparticularlyfascinatedby theconceptofhumanrights economies,whichpresentsahopeful visionforamoreequitableandjust future.Shebelievesthatembedding humanrightsconsiderations strategicallyinpolicymakingand economicdecision-makingcan leadtoamoreethicaland sustainableeconomicsystem. Theincreasingregulations onhumanrightsrisks, focusedonexport/import tradepolicies,sanctions, duediligence, traceability,reporting, andtransparency requirementsinsupply chains,arecrucialfor sheddinglightonkey risksand vulnerabilities.
Gunaraniforesees theseregulations formingthe foundationfor integratinghuman rightsprinciples intovarious
Gunarani thrives on exploring new methodologies and ideas, delving into specific ESG topics, and simplifying complex concepts into understandable solutions for clients.
aspectsofpolicymaking,government budgetdecisions,taxsystems,and economicperformancemetrics.This shifttowardsamorehumanrightsfocusedapproachcouldleadtoamore balancedandinclusiveeconomythat considersthewell-beingofall individuals,notjusteconomicgrowth. Onthatnote,sheapplaudsand welcomesglobalinitiativessuchas fromTheTaskforceonInequalityand Social-relatedFinancialDisclosures (TISFD)whichwilldevelopguidelines forbusinessesandinvestorsto recognize,evaluate,anddisclosetheir socialandinequality-relatedrisks, opportunities,andimpacts.
Gunaraniisastrongadvocatefor fosteringacultureofcontinuous improvementwithinorganizations.She believesthatsustainabilityisan ongoingjourneyratherthanaone-time achievement.Tothisend,she encouragesherclientstoregularly reviewandupdatetheirsustainability strategies,incorporatingfeedbackfrom stakeholdersandstayingaheadof emergingtrendsandtechnologies.
“Sustainabilityisadynamicfield,and continuousimprovementiskeyto stayingaheadofthecurve,”shenotes.
Thisproactiveapproachhelps organizationsremainresilientand adaptiveinthefaceofevolving sustainabilitychallenges.
Educationandawarenessare fundamentalcomponentsofGunarani’s approachtosustainabilityconsulting. Sheunderscorestheimportanceof educatingstakeholdersaboutthe benefitsandnecessityofsustainable practices.
Byraisingawarenessabouttheimpacts ofunsustainablebehaviorsandthe positiveoutcomesofadopting sustainablepractices,shehelpsfostera cultureofsustainabilitywithin organizations.Gunaranifrequently engagesinworkshops,seminars,and trainingsessionstoimpartknowledge andskillsrelatedtosustainability “Educatingstakeholdersiscrucialfor drivinglong-termchangeand achievingsustainabilitygoals,”she emphasizes.
Forthoseconsideringacareerin sustainabilityconsulting,Gunarani offersvaluableadvice.Sheemphasizes
theimportanceofdevelopingcritical thinkingandproblem-solvingskills,as sustainabilityconsultingofteninvolves complexchallengesthatrequire innovativesolutions.Strong communicationskillsareessentialfor effectivelyconveyingcomplexideas, influencingstakeholders,anddriving change.
Networkingwithprofessionalsinthe fieldcanprovideinsightsand opportunitiesforgrowth.Staying updatedonthelatestsustainability trends,regulations,bestpractices,and technologiesiscrucialforremaining competitiveandeffectiveinconsulting work.Gunaranialsohighlightsthe importanceofpatienceandpersistence, aspositiveandlastingchangesin sustainabilitytaketimeandeffortto achieve.
Gunarani’sdedicationtosustainability isdeeplyrootedinhercommitmentto continuouslearningandimprovement. Sheconsistentlyseeksoutnew challengesandopportunitiesto enhanceherexpertiseinthefield.Her approachinvolvesadoptinginnovation andstayingupdatedonthelatest advancementsinsustainability practices,technologies,andregulatory frameworks.
Byremainingagileandadaptive, Gunaraniensuresthatherconsulting methodologiesremainrelevantand effectiveinaddressingtheevolving needsofherclients.Herpassionfor sustainabilitydriveshertoconstantly seekoutnewknowledgeandinsights thatcancontributetocreatingamore sustainableandequitableworld.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
- Roy T. Bennett
Artificialintelligence(AI)isan advancingfrontierinmany industries,significantly transforminghowwehandleand executetasksacrossvarioussectors.In therealmofconstruction,reality capturetechnologyleveragesAIto offerdetailedanddynamicviewsof constructionsites,enhancingplanning andmonitoring.Aswedelveintothe intersectionofAIandrenewable energymanagementwithin construction,itbecomesclearthatthis technologynotonlyoffersnewtools butalsocreatesapathwaytooptimize energyusageandsustainabilityefforts effectively.
AI'scapabilitytoprocessandanalyze largedatasetsquicklyandaccurately isrevolutionary,particularlyin renewableenergymanagement.By integratingAI,constructionsitescan enhancetheirenergyefficiency,leading to . moresustainablebuildingpractices
AItechnologiesenablesmarter planningandresourcemanagementby predictingprojectneedsand optimizingschedulesbasedonvarious factors,suchasweatherconditionsand resourceavailability Thispredictive capabilityensuresbetterresource allocation,reduceswaste,and maximizestheuseofrenewable resources.
AIaidsinmonitoringandmanaging energyconsumptiononconstruction sites.Byanalyzingenergyusage patternsandpredictingfutureneeds,AI cansuggestadjustmentstominimize energywasteandimproveoverall efficiency,acriticalstepinpromoting sustainabilityinconstructionpractices.
TheapplicationofAIextendsbeyond projectmanagementtoenhancesafety andongoingmaintenance,whichare criticalaspectsofanyconstruction project,especiallythoseutilizing renewableenergytechnologies.
AI-poweredcamerasandsensors providereal-timemonitoringof constructionsites,detectingpotential hazardsandensuringcompliancewith safetystandards.Thisconstant vigilancehelpsinpreventingaccidents andmaintainingasafework environment
AI-drivenpredictivemaintenancecan forecastpotentialsystemfailures beforetheyoccur.Forrenewable energyinstallations,suchassolar panelsorwindturbines,AIanalyzes datafromsensorstopredictand preventdowntime,therebyenhancing
operationalreliabilityandefficiency
CostManagementandOperational Efficiency
Costmanagementiscrucialin construction,moresoinprojects involvingrenewableenergywhere initialexpensescanbehigh.AIplaysa pivotalroleincontrollingcostsand enhancingoperationalefficiency.
AIalgorithmsstreamlinesupplychain management,fromprocurementto inventory,ensuringthatmaterialsare purchasedcost-effectivelyandstored efficiently.Thisreduceswasteand ensuresthatrenewableenergyprojects stayonbudgetandschedule.
AIempowerstheuseofautomated machineryandroboticsonconstruction sites,performingtasksfrom bricklayingtointricatecomponent installationsofrenewableenergy systems Thesetechnologiesspeedup constructionandimprovethework's precisionandquality,reducingthe needforcostlycorrections.
AsAItechnologyadvances,its integrationintorenewableenergy managementonconstructionsitesis becomingmoreinnovativeand impactful.
AIisrevolutionizingthedesign processbyenablingmoreaccurate simulationsofrenewableenergy systems.Thiscapabilityallowsfor betterintegrationofthesesystemsinto overallprojectdesigns,ensuring optimalperformanceandenergy efficiency.
AIcontributestothedevelopmentof sustainableconstructionpracticesby optimizingtheuseofrenewableenergy sourcesandreducingthecarbon footprintofconstructionactivities.It supportsthecreationofsmart buildingsthatareenergy-efficientand capableofadaptingtochanging environmentalconditions.
IntegratingAIinrenewableenergy managementforconstructionsitesis transformingtheindustrybyenhancing efficiency,safety,andsustainability As weembraceAI,thepotentialfor creatingsmarter,moreresilient constructionpracticesprioritizing renewableenergybecomes increasinglytangible.Theadoptionof AIinthisfieldnotonlyrepresentsa shifttowardsmoreadvanced technologicalintegrationbutalso underscoresacommitmentto sustainabledevelopmentinthe constructionindustry.
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
Assummerpeaks,the swelteringsunposes significantriskstothosewho worktirelesslyinthefields—ourfarm workers.Theseindividualsconfront extremetemperaturesandprolonged sunexposure,whichcanleadto serioushealthissuesifproper precautionsaren'ttaken.Recognizing theserisks,it'scrucialtoadoptaseries ofproactivemeasuresthatsafeguard thesevitalworkers.
teamsonrecognizingthesesymptoms andactswiftlytoaddressthem.
Protectingskinfromthesun'sharmful raysiscrucial.Regularapplicationof sunscreenwithahighSPF,and wearinglong-sleevedshirts,long pants,andwide-brimmedhatsareall effectivesunprotectiontactics.
Thisguidewillwalkyouthrougha detailedchecklistaimedatpreventing accidentsandhealthproblemsamong farmlaborersduringtheharshsummer months.Withthoughtfulplanningand implementation,thesestrategiescan enhancethesafetyandwell-beingof everyindividualonthefarm.It'snot justaboutcompliancewithsafety norms,butalsoaboutfosteringa cultureofcareandattentivenesstothe needsofthosewhofeedus.Creatinga saferworkplaceisacollectiveeffort thatbenefitseveryoneinvolved.
Heat-relatedillnessesarenotonly commonbutalsopotentiallylifethreatening.Doyouknowwhatheat exhaustionorheatstrokelookslike? Symptomscanrangefromheavy sweatingandfaintnesstonausea, headaches,andrapidheartbeat.These signsshouldn'tbeoverlooked.It'svital forfarmsupervisorstoeducatetheir
Immediatestepsincludemovingtoa coolerplace,hydrating,andseeking medicalhelpifconditionsdonot improvepromptly.It’salsocrucialto fosteranenvironmentwhereworkers feelcomfortablereportingsymptoms, bothinthemselvesandintheir colleagues.Preventionisbolstered throughawarenessandopen communication,keyfactorsin avoidingtheescalationofthese dangerousconditions.
Undertheblazingsun,staying hydratedismorethana convenience—it'sanecessity Workers shoulddrinkwaterevery15to20 minutes,ratherthanwaitinguntilthey feelthirsty.Butwhatabouttheir meals?Light,balancedmealsthatdon't overloadthestomachareideal.Foods richinwater,suchasfruitsand vegetables,shouldbeencouragedas theyhelpmaintainhydrationlevelsand providenecessarynutrients.
Additionally,avoidcaffeinated beveragesthatcancontributeto dehydration.Providingcleanand easilyaccessibledrinkingwater stationscansignificantlyenhance hydrationpractices.Thisnotonlyhelps tokeeptheworkershydratedbutalso inmaintainingtheirenergylevelsand overallhealththroughoutthe demandingsummermonths.
Additionally,providingshadedareas forbreaksisessential.Haveyou consideredthebenefitsofatractor sunshade?Thissimpleadditioncan significantlyreduceadriver'sdirect exposuretosunlight,makingita practicalinvestmentinworkerhealth andproductivity.Ensuringthatthese shadedareasarepositioned strategicallyacrosstheworksite allowsworkerstotakequickbreaks fromthesunwithouthavingtotravel toofarfromtheirworkzone.Regular remindersabouttheimportanceof reapplyingsunscreenthroughoutthe daycanalsoenhanceprotection againstUVrays.Engagingwith workerstoensuretheyunderstandthe risksofsunexposureandthebest practicesforprotectionisvital.
Alteringworkschedulescangreatly reducetheriskofheat-relatedailments. Ifpossible,reschedulemore demandingtaskstocoolerpartsofthe day,suchasearlymorningorlate afternoon.Encourageregularbreaks andestablishashadedorairconditionedrestareawhereworkers canrecuperate.Isn'ttheirwell-being
worththeseadjustments?Instituting policieslikethesenotonlyreduceheat exposurebutcanalsoincrease productivityasworkersarelesslikely tosufferfromheatfatigue.
Implementingabuddysystemcan ensurethatworkerskeepaneyeon eachother,immediatelynoticingif someoneisstrugglingwiththeheat. Thisalsofostersasenseofteamwork andmutualcare,whichcanbe incrediblybeneficialinmaintaininga safeworkingenvironment.
Educationisapowerfultoolin preventingheat-inducedillnesses. Comprehensivetrainingsessionsthat outlinethedangersofheatexposure andproperhydrationtechniquesare essential.Moreover,farmsshouldbe equippedwithfirstaidkitsand emergencycontactsshouldbereadily availabletoallworkers.Preparedness cantransformapotentialtragedyintoa manageableincident.Routinedrills andtrainingrefresherscanhelpcement thesepractices,ensuringthatevery workerknowshowtorespondinan emergency.Itisalsobeneficialto collaboratewithlocalhealthservices toprovideregularhealthcheck-upsfor workers.Thesecanidentifypotential healthissuesbeforetheybecome severe,contributingfurthertoasafe andhealthyworkenvironment.
Monitoringtheweatheractivelyallows fordynamicadaptationofwork practices.Thisproactiveapproachnot onlyenhancessafetybutalso demonstratestoemployeesthattheir healthisapriority.Regularupdatesto safetygearandcontinualreassessment ofconditionsarenecessarytomaintain asafeworkingenvironment.Keeping
anopenlineofcommunicationwhere workerscanprovidefeedbackon safetypracticesencouragescontinuous improvementandadaptation.
Thisfeedbackcanbeinvaluablein tweakingexistingprotocolstobetter suitthereal-worldconditionsworkers facedaily.Moreover,adaptingtheuse oftechnology,suchasweatherapps andheatstressmonitors,canprovide real-timedatatomakeinformed decisionsswiftly.Establishinga dedicatedsafetyofficerorteamcan alsoensurethatthesemeasuresare enforcedandadaptedasneeded.
Protectingfarmworkersfromthe rigorsofsummerisnotonlya responsibilitybutalsoatestamentto thevalueweplaceontheirhardwork andwell-being.Implementingthese safetymeasuresrequirescommitment andcontinuouseffort.Let'sstriveto ensurethatsafetyisnever compromisedandthatouragricultural workersareprotectedastheycultivate thefoodthatfeedsourfamilies.Will youjoininmakingthesechanges? Remember,asafefarmisaproductive andhappyfarm.Let'skeepour workerssafe,healthy,andproductive, notjustthissummer,butyear-round. Aswemaketheseefforts,wenotonly enhancethelivesofourworkersbut alsosecurethesustainabilityofour farmingpracticesforfuture generations.
- Warren Bennis
Intheworldofbusiness,failure oftencarriesaheavystigma. Entrepreneursandexecutives alikedreadthethoughtoftheirplans crumbling,fearingthejudgmentthat comeswithit.Yet,withinthose failuresliesatreasuretroveofinsights waitingtobeuncovered.Thisiswhere theconceptof"anti-strategy"comes intoplay.Insteadofrigidlyadheringto apredeterminedpath,embracing failureasalearningopportunitycan leadtounexpectedgrowthand innovation.Byunderstandingand analyzingwhatwentwrong,businesses canadaptandthriveinwaysthey neverimagined.
Take,forexample,thestoryofasmall techstartupthatlaunchedapromising newapp.Theteamhadspentmonths craftingadetailedstrategy,complete withmarketanalysis,userpersonas, andamarketingplan.However,upon launch,theyquicklyrealizedthatthe appdidn’tresonatewithusersas intended.Downloadswerelow,and feedbackwasharsh.Insteadofgiving up,theteamchosetodelveintothe reasonsbehindthefailure.
Theyconductedsurveys,engagedwith users,andanalyzedappusagedata. Whattheydiscoveredwaseyeopening:theapp'sinterfacewas confusing,anditsfeatureswerenot alignedwithuserneeds.Armedwith thisknowledge,theypivotedtheir approach,redesignedtheapp,and relauncheditwithgreatsuccess.This
experienceexemplifiesthepowerof anti-strategy,highlightinghowlearning fromfailurecanleadtoamore effectiveanduser-centeredproduct.
Statisticsrevealthatfailureisa commonoccurrenceinthebusiness landscape.AccordingtotheBureauof LaborStatistics,about20%ofnew businessesfailwithintheirfirstyear, andnearly50%failwithinfiveyears. Thereasonsforthesefailuresareoften rootedinpoorstrategy Asignificant factorcontributingtothisisthe inabilitytoadapttochangingmarket conditionsortounderstandcustomer needs.Forinstance,companieslike KodakandBlockbusterserveas cautionarytales.Kodak,oncealeader inphotography,failedtoembrace digitaltechnology,despitehaving inventedthedigitalcamera.Asaresult, thecompanyfiledforbankruptcyin 2012,losing75%ofitsvalueinthe process.Similarly,Blockbusterignored theshifttowardsdigitalstreaming, allowingcompetitorslikeNetflixto dominatethemarket.
Theseexamplesillustratethatbad strategycanleadtodevastating consequences.However,thesilver liningisthateveryfailurepresentsan opportunityforlearning.Byanalyzing whatwentwrong,businessescanrefine theirstrategiesandavoidmakingthe samemistakesinthefuture.Thisisthe essenceofanti-strategy:recognizing
thatthepathtosuccessisoftenpaved withmisstepsandthateachsetback canbeavaluablelesson.
Toharnessthepowerofanti-strategy, businessesmustcultivateaculturethat encouragesexperimentationand learningfromfailure.Thismeans creatinganenvironmentwhere employeesfeelsafetotakerisksand sharetheirinsightswithoutfearof retribution.CompanieslikeGoogle andAmazonhavesuccessfully implementedthisapproachbyallowing employeestopursueinnovative projects,eveniftheydon’talwayslead toimmediatesuccess.Infact,Google’s famous“20%time”policyencourages employeestospendaportionoftheir workweekonprojectstheyare passionateabout,leadingtothe creationofsuccessfulproductslike GmailandAdSense.
Moreover,organizationsshould prioritizereflectionandanalysisafter projects,especiallythosethatdon’tgo asplanned.Conductingpost-mortems allowsteamstodissectwhathappened, identifykeytakeaways,andapply thoselessonstofutureinitiatives.This practicenotonlyfosterscontinuous improvementbutalsostrengthensteam cohesionasmemberscollaborateto solveproblemstogether
Leadershipplaysacrucialrolein promotingananti-strategymindset. Leadersmustmodelvulnerabilityby openlydiscussingtheirownfailures andthelessonstheylearned.When leaderssharetheirexperiences,it encouragesemployeestodothesame, creatingacultureofopennessand trust.Additionally,leadersshould emphasizetheimportanceof adaptabilityandresilience.Inarapidly changingbusinessenvironment,the abilitytopivotandadjuststrategies basedonnewinformationis invaluable.
Inconclusion,thepowerofantistrategyliesinitsabilitytotransform failureintoasteppingstonefor success.Byembracingthelessons learnedfromsetbacks,businessescan developmoreresilientstrategiesthat adapttothecomplexitiesofthe market.Asthesayinggoes,“failureis nottheoppositeofsuccess;it’spartof success.”Byshiftingthenarrative aroundfailureandviewingitasan essentialcomponentofthelearning process,organizationscanunlocktheir truepotentialandnavigatetheeverevolvingbusinesslandscapewith confidence.Thejourneymaybe fraughtwithchallenges,butwitheach failurecomestheopportunitytogrow, innovate,andultimatelysucceed.
,, ,,
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
Conventionalwisdomisno longerareliableguidefor effectiveleadership.Asthe workforcebecomesincreasingly diverseandtechnology-driven,leaders whoclingtooutdatedpracticesoften findthemselvesstrugglingtoconnect withtheirteamsandachievedesired results.ArecentstudybyGreenPeak PartnersandCornellUniversity's SchoolofIndustrialandLabor Relationsrevealedthat"conventional wisdomiswrong—andthatleaders whopossessstrongsoftskillsperform betteratdrivinghardresults.''
Oneofthekeyfindingsofthisstudy wasthat"softskillswillbethekey leadershipdriver"inthefuture. Interpersonalstrengthandselfawarenesswereidentifiedascrucial competenciesforsuccessful executives.Interestingly,theresearch alsofoundthat"bully"traits,often seenaspartofatough,results-oriented culture,weresignsofincompetence andlackofstrategicintellect.Poor interpersonalskillswerestrongly correlatedwithunderperformancein mostexecutivefunctions.
Thesefindingschallengethe conventionalwisdomthataggressive, authoritarianleadershipstylesare effectiveindrivingresults.Instead, theysuggestthatleaderswhoprioritize empathy,communication,and emotionalintelligencearebetter equippedtoinspiretheirteamsand achievelong-termsuccess.
Theworkforcehasundergonea significanttransformationinrecent years,withmultiplegenerations workingsidebyside.Thisdiversity hasledtoashiftinemployeeneeds andexpectations,renderingtraditional leadershipapproacheslesseffective. AsJohnQuincyAdamsoncesaid,"If youractionsinspireotherstodream more,learnmore,domore,and becomemore,youarealeader.''
Inthepast,leaderslikeHenryFordand JackWelchachievedsuccessthrough command-and-controlstyles.However, theseapproachesmaynottranslate welltotoday'sworkforce.Asthe authoroftheTLNTarticlenotes, "CouldHenryFordorJackWelch manageaworkforcetodaywiththe samelevelofsuccess?Ipersonally thinknot.''
Tobecomeeffectiveleadersinthe modernera,itiscrucialtochallenge conventionalwisdomandembracenew waysofthinking.AsDavidCaldwell pointsoutinhisLinkedInarticle, "Whysomeofthebestleadersmayfail intoday'sorganizations,"thebeliefs andthinkingofleadersmustalignwith theirstrategiesformeasurableresults tooccur
Challengingone'sownbeliefsisa difficultbutnecessaryprocessfor
leaderswhowanttosucceedintoday's businesslandscape.AstheStrategies Coacharticlesuggests,leadersmust createtheirowncompellingreasonsto changetheirbeliefsaboutleadership byaskingthemselvestwokey questions:"Ifyoucontinueyour currentleadershipthinkingand behavior,willyoueverachievethe resultsyouseek?Ifyouchangeand adoptnewleadershipthinkingand behavior,whatwouldthepossibilities looklike?"
Adheringtoconventionalwisdomcan havesevereconsequencesforleaders andtheirorganizations.AstheBold Businessarticlestates,"Conventional wisdomisoftenwrong,andtherefore, truewisdomdemandsbroader considerations."Byfailingtoquestion commonlyheldbeliefs,leadersrisk makingdecisionsbasedonflawed assumptionsandbiases.
Thearticlecitestheexampleofthe beliefthattheworldwasflat,which wasonceconsideredconventional wisdom.Ithighlightshowchallenging conventionalwisdomisessentialfor progressandinnovation.Inthe businessworld,leaderswhorefuseto challengetheirassumptionsmayfind themselvesfallingbehindtheir competitorsandstrugglingtoadaptto changingmarketconditions.
Inconclusion,conventionalwisdomis nolongerareliableguideforeffective leadershipinthemodernbusiness world.Leaderswhoprioritizesoft skills,emotionalintelligence,anda willingnesstochallengetheirown beliefsarebetterequippedtoinspire theirteams,driveresults,andadaptto theever-changinglandscapeof business.Byembracinganew leadershipparadigmthatprioritizes empathy,communication,and continuouslearning,leaderscan positionthemselvesandtheir organizationsforlong-termsuccess.