In recent years, the global business landscape has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA). The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified the challenges faced by industries and businesses worldwide. Amid these disruptive changes, companies must demonstrate resilience and embrace agility to survive and thrive. We at Machine Maker had the opportunity to interact with Neena Patwardhan-Saravade, founder of PRABHODIT Management Consulting, who shared valuable insights on the current state of industries, the impact of the pandemic, and the crucial role of human resources in organizations.
Before the pandemic, many industries were already grappling with declining economies and recessionary phases. The sudden outbreak of the pandemic brought the global economy to a standstill, leaving businesses in a state of uncertainty. Some industries experienced severe setbacks, while others found growth opportunities. The health crisis impacted people’s well-being and disrupted their behaviours, routines, and work patterns. As individuals adapt to the new normal, these changes have far-reaching implications for organizations and industries.
VUCA World: Resilience and Challenges for SMEs
While larger companies may have greater financial resources to weather the storm, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant survival challenges. Acquiring new clients, renegotiating contracts, and declining revenues are just a few of the hurdles all enterprises face. Organizations must reengineer their business models, reduce costs, and increase employee engagement to overcome these challenges. Amidst these changes, human resources emerge as a company’s most valuable asset.
An important question raised is the availability of a trained workforce in India. This concern highlights the need to assess the capabilities of the education system in creating skilled human resources. Moreover, organizations must create an environment that fosters reskilling and upskilling initiatives to equip employees with the hard and soft skills required to thrive in an uncertain business environment.
Albert Einstein’s quote, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” aptly captures the essence of the current business landscape. Agility has become a strategic asset for companies aiming to stay competitive in a constantly evolving environment. Whether businesses follow a starfish or spider strategy, it is crucial to have leadership that can effectively navigate the company flexibly and efficiently.
Empowering Organizations for Purposeful Growth
PRABHODIT Management Consulting, led by Neena Patwardhan-Saravade, aims to contribute to organizations and businesses by aligning human resources with the vision and mission of the organization. The consulting firm combines management expertise with knowledge in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and human behaviour/psychology to offer customized solutions.
By addressing critical questions such as employee alignment with organizational vision, talent delivery, and employee engagement, PRABHODIT helps organizations identify issues, analyze them, implement solutions, and measure their impact. They provide comprehensive services across various sectors, including manufacturing, academia, healthcare, and startups. They cover organization development, strategic growth planning, skill gap analysis, upskilling and reskilling programs, sales and marketing strategies, business excellence, and strategic HR functions.
In the face of a VUCA world and the unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic, resilience and agility are paramount for organizations seeking sustainable growth. The interactions with Neena Patwardhan-Saravade shed light on the need for organizations to align their human resources with their vision and mission. Businesses can navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities through purposeful growth strategies, reskilling initiatives, and effective leadership. In collaboration with trusted consulting firms like PRABHODIT Management Consulting, organizations can find actionable and measurable solutions to transform and thrive in the evolving business landscape.
