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In my professional interactions, I collaborate with companies with shared values and a clear understanding of what they intend to achieve at a particular time. The ‘what’ is established but the ‘how’ is where my skillset adds clarity in pursuit of their ‘what’. It is still a consensus ad idem because this meeting of the minds produces results that could only be attained by working together.
There is a new progressive attitude within companies responding to the changing landscape: the exchange of labour/expertise for money/compensation. How one works is being prioritised similarly to the amount one is paid. Flexible working hours, working from home, job sharing and remote working are no longer utopian concepts. A recent job specification for a leading accounting firm asked potential candidates how they prefer to work. Menopause awareness training in the work environment is, equally, a long overdue addition to the work/life balance conversation.
These gradual paradigm shifts in how people work indicate a changing culture towards work. The coronavirus pandemic enabled the world to stand still, slow down and reflect as individuals spent more time with their loved ones and adjusted to the new normal.
The lack of social contact brought on by recreational business closures, sporting event cancellations and even limitations on attendees at funerals, etc., had clearly impacted the global majority’s lifestyles because humans are naturally social beings. Now that things are returning to the way before the pandemic, there is another shift in work culture as people clearly understand that there is another way of approaching work. There is a new attitude, and small to medium-sized business owners must adjust or drift into the midst of oblivion.
There are enough pressures on small businesses due to the dominance of certain commercial behemoths both online and with physical stores. There is also an advantage in being niche, organised and strategic because small businesses can easily adapt, have less bureaucracy and still have their soul in what they do. This emotional intelligence, strategic planning, and the right team will resonate with potential clients as people still buy from people.
The personal touch of excellent customer service, answering emails, resolving queries and providing a high-quality product or service still matters. World events such as the war in Ukraine affect oil pipelines which impact the distribution of goods in a similar way that the recent fall of the UK pound affects trading costs. How you work as a business must be under constant appraisal to capitalise on your strengths and lessen the potential negative impact of global events. It comes right back to the culture in your business, your team, the progressive attitude to providing your goods/services and the way you work together. There is still money to be made, and you deserve your share of this global pie. Enjoy.
Also read: Ways of Working and Doing Business Are Changing
About the Author
Malik Muhammad was raised and educated in Jamaica, read law in London and is the author of Coffee & Contemplation. He created The Empowerment Mastery System to influence, help and inspire businesses to cultivate their visions in a specified time. Malik enjoys vegan cooking and quad biking. He is a voiceover artist, ghost writer and convenes empowerment masterclasses globally.
