Vikrant A.

Ever look around at work and wonder what it takes to rise to the top in the world of Global Business Services (GBS)? You’re not alone. Many professionals—associates, senior associates, specialists—sit there crunching numbers, digging into data, and occasionally thinking, “Is this all there is?” But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of strategy, a dash of execution, and a willingness to grow, you can truly navigate your path from analyst to GBS leadership success. Understand the Landscape First off, get a grasp on what GBS is all about. This isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a transformative approach organizations take to streamline operations through shared services. Think of it like this: Shared services mean creating efficiencies. Transformational leadership is about inspiring change. And innovation? That’s your edge. What Skills Do You Need? If you’re eyeing that leadership role, honing specific skills is key. Here’s a quick rundown: Data Analysis: This isn’t just numbers; it’s storytelling. Project Management: Know how to juggle timelines, resources, and stakeholder needs. Financial Acumen: Understanding budgets can set you apart. Soft Skills: Communication and emotional intelligence matter just as much. Building a Network Relationships are everything. Step out from behind your desk and meet people. Join industry events, engage in forums, and connect with mentors. Share your insights and learn from others. Remember: Your network is your net worth. Leverage connections to pave your way upward. Seek Out Challenges When everything’s running smoothly? That’s your cue to jump in and shake things up a bit. Raise your hand for projects that seem out of your wheelhouse. Need a team member for that new initiative? Volunteer. Every new experience is a stepping stone. Learn from Experience Like they say, experience is the best teacher. Reflect on what didn’t work as much as what did. Take notes on every project you tackle: What were the pain points? How did you resolve conflicts? What outcomes did you achieve? Always Be Adapting GBS is all about agility. The industry evolves at lightning speed. Technology is constantly shifting. Getting comfortable with change is non-negotiable. Stay updated on tools and processes that help optimize productivity: Invest in learning new software. Participate in webinars on trends in shared services. Promote a Culture of Innovation When you lead, create an environment where innovation thrives. Encourage team members to voice their ideas. Recognize contributions and be open to experimentation. When your team feels empowered, the growth is explosive. Embrace Your Story Your journey is unique, and that’s your superpower. Share your experiences and lessons learned with others. Be authentic—people connect with real stories. Keep the Long Game in Mind Rising to leadership isn’t just about short-term gains. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Plan your career trajectory. Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? The Importance of Mentorship Find mentors who inspire you. The right mentor can simplify your journey enormously. Set up regular check-ins, ask questions, and get feedback. Reflect and Reset Take time to reflect on your progress. Conduct a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). It helps clarify where you stand and where you’re headed. Shaping Your Leadership Style Your leadership style should represent you. Be patient, inclusive, and decisive. As you develop your approach, ask for feedback and adjust where needed. Stay Inspired Read about success stories from industry leaders. Take courses that spark your interest. The more you seek inspiration, the more you’ll stay motivated. Document Your Journey Keep track of your milestones. Write down goals and achievements. This documentation serves as a powerful reminder of your growth. Be Persistent Don’t let setbacks knock you down. Learn to bounce back quickly. Your perseverance will shine brighter than any obstacle. Resources to Check Out The right tools can fast-track your learning. Head over to the THEGBSEDGE blog for insights on shared services, leadership, and transformation. You’re in good hands with tips from industry experts like me. Take Action Don’t just read—implement what you learn. Start one small change today. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a mentor, volunteering for a project, or diving into a new training program, do it! Final Thoughts Success in GBS isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s about being proactive, learning continuously, and being unafraid to step outside your comfort zone. So get out there and make your mark! Your journey will shape the future of shared services. Believe in yourself, and others will follow.

Ever feel like you’re swimming against the current in shared services? You’re not alone. With the constant evolution of operational frameworks and technological advancements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A big question: How do we navigate these changes and set the stage for success? Here’s the deal: mastering skills in the shared services arena isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about getting ahead. Let’s break it down together. Understand the Nature of Shared Services Transformation First off, what really is shared services transformation? In my 20+ years in outsourcing and offshoring, I’ve come to see it as a pivotal shift. Think of it as a way to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost efficiency. But this journey isn’t a straight line. It’s about creating insightful processes to manage not just tasks but the entire value chain. Start with identifying the core functions to centralize. Assess scalability and flexibility in your operations. Leverage technology for automation and reporting. Let’s not forget the people involved, as they’re the heartbeat of any organization. Skills That Drive Success in Shared Services Now, let’s chat about the critical skills you need in your toolkit. Here are the top skills that can help you not just survive but thrive: Process Optimization: This is about streamlining workflows to eliminate waste. Data Analysis: Use data to drive decisions and measure success. Change Management: Guide your team through transitions smoothly. Collaboration: Build strong bridges with stakeholders across the business. Customer Orientation: Keep the client’s needs at the forefront of every decision. It’s not just about learning these skills but practicing them daily. The Human Element in Shared Services Here’s a thought: no matter how efficient we get, people matter. Building a culture that values feedback, communication, and shared goals leads to better performance. Encourage an open-door policy. Share successes and setbacks. This transparency fosters trust. Take time to check in on team morale. A simple ‘how’s it going?’ goes a long way. Engaging Your Team for Optimal Performance Here’s where the magic happens. Creating an engaging work environment can drastically improve your shared services output. Involve your team in shaping processes. Let’s look at some strategies: Regular brainstorming sessions to inspire input. Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high. Provide learning opportunities to enhance skills continuously. When people feel invested, the energy shifts. Leveraging Technology and Innovation So, what about technology? In shared services, innovation isn’t an option; it’s a necessity. Embrace tools that make your life easier: Automate repetitive tasks with software solutions. Implement effective performance metrics to track progress. Utilize cloud computing for real-time data access and collaboration. You’re not just cleaning up processes; you’re revolutionizing them. Continuous Improvement: A Shared Services Mindset Think of shared services as a journey, not a destination. What we did yesterday can always be improved. This mindset keeps us on our toes. Set up regular evaluations of your processes. Ask questions like: What’s working well? What’s not? How can we do it better? I recommend developing a continuous improvement framework that engages your team in the process. Remember: small tweaks can yield significant results. Sharing Knowledge: Your Biggest Asset Knowledge sharing is one of the greatest assets in our business. Encourage an environment where insights are shared freely. How about setting up regular lunch-and-learns? Or creating a shared document for tips and best practices? Here’s a personal story: at one of the shared service centers I led, we implemented a weekly sharing session. This not only improved relationships but inspired innovative ideas that transformed our approach. A Glimpse into the Future of Shared Services As we look ahead, embracing digital transformation is crucial. Staying updated on industry trends and technologies will allow you and your organization to navigate change more effectively. Make it a point to regularly consult resources that keep you informed. The THEGBSEDGE blog, started by Vikrant Aglawe, offers some of the best insights on shared services transformation, innovation, and leadership. Do yourself a favor and subscribe for valuable content that sharpens your skills. Final Thoughts: Success Is a Team Effort Mastering skills for success isn’t a solo journey. It’s about collaboration, community, and commitment. So, gather your team, inspire each other, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Remember, every little step counts. Let’s keep learning and growing together in the shared services landscape. Because the more we know, the further we can go!

Ever find yourself wondering why some leaders can smoothly navigate through stress while others crumble at the first hint of conflict? That difference often boils down to one thing: emotional intelligence (EI). As leaders in the Global Business Services (GBS) sector, your ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions—both your own and those of your team—can set you apart. It’s not just a professional skill; it’s a game changer for your career. Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for GBS Leaders Picture this: You’ve got deadlines looming, and tensions are high. How do you cope? Do you lash out or shut down? Or do you choose to recognize the emotions swirling around you and respond thoughtfully? That’s emotional intelligence in action. Here’s why mastering EI is essential: Enhanced Communication: EI helps you convey messages clearly and empathetically. Improved Team Dynamics: Understanding emotions fosters better collaboration. Conflict Resolution: Leaders with EI can mediate disputes more effectively. Better Decision Making: EI enables you to consider emotional factors in your choices. Greater Resilience: You can bounce back from setbacks without losing sight of your goals. Building Your Emotional Intelligence So, how do you go about honing your emotional intelligence? Here’s a straightforward roadmap: Self-Awareness: Reflect on your emotions and how they affect your actions. Keep a journal or meditate to gain insights. Self-Regulation: Practice controlling your reactions. Instead of reacting impulsively, take a breath and respond with intention. Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes. Actively listen and validate their feelings. Social Skills: Work on building relationships through effective communication and collaboration. Motivation: Cultivate an internal drive to succeed, not just for recognition but for personal fulfillment. Real-Life EI Moments Let’s get real for a minute. A few years back, I was in a heated meeting over a faltering project. Tensions were palpable. Instead of letting the frustration boil over, I took a step back to assess the emotions in the room. I noticed my usually quiet teammate looked visibly upset. I addressed her directly, asking how she felt about the situation. That simple act of empathy not only made her voice heard, but it also diffused the escalating tension. We ended up brainstorming solutions collaboratively, all because I took a moment to tap into emotional intelligence. The EI Skill Set for GBS Leaders Here’s a breakdown of the EI skills you can cultivate: Active Listening: Focus entirely on the speaker, avoiding distractions. Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to body language and facial expressions. Open-Ended Questions: Encourage discussions with questions that foster deeper conversations. Positive Reaffirmation: Recognize and appreciate others’ contributions. Calmness Under Pressure: Practice calming techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness. Incorporating EI in Your GBS Strategy Let’s be honest. You can have the best processes and technologies in place, but if you can’t lead with emotional intelligence, you’re leaving a significant advantage on the table. Here’s how to incorporate EI into your shared services initiatives: Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline what emotional intelligence looks like in practice. Foster Team Collaboration: Create opportunities for teamwork that require cooperation and understanding. Feedback Loops: Encourage honest feedback and discussions surrounding emotions in the workplace. Training Programs: Invest in EI training for you and your team. Workshops can offer valuable skills and boost morale. Lead by Example: Your behavior sets the tone. Model the emotional intelligence you want to see in others. Measuring Emotional Intelligence Success You won’t know if your EI initiatives are working without measuring their impact. Here are a few practical ways: Surveys: Regularly conduct surveys to gather insights on team dynamics and emotional challenges. Performance Reviews: Integrate EI into performance criteria. Peer Feedback: Encourage teams to give each other constructive feedback on EI behaviors. Engagement Metrics: Monitor employee engagement and satisfaction scores. Adaptability Reports: Assess how well teams adapt to change and resolve conflicts. Final Thoughts Mastering emotional intelligence is not just about being a nicer boss. It’s a critical skill for navigating today’s complex GBS landscape. By focusing on EI, you build a foundation for a resilient, cohesive, and high-performing team. Next time you face a tough situation, remember the potential of emotional intelligence. Trust me, it’s worth investing your energy in. Your career could soar as you embrace this journey. If you’re curious to learn more about enhancing your skills in shared services, check out The GBS Edge Blog. It’s packed with insights on Transformation, Innovation, and Leadership in the shared services industry. Stay sharp!

Are you looking to advance your career in the shared services sector? If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to climb the ladder, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been in your shoes, navigating through the dynamic world of shared services for over 20 years. It can feel overwhelming, but one key strategy stands out: certifications. Certifications can be a game changer in your career. They not only enhance your skill set but also increase your credibility in the eyes of employers. So, let’s break down the certifications that can genuinely propel you forward in your career path. Why Certifications Matter in GBS Let’s get real for a moment. The landscape of shared services is evolving rapidly, with companies demanding more agility and efficiency than ever before. How do you stay relevant? By investing in yourself through certifications. Here are a few reasons why certifications make a difference: Showcase Expertise: Certifications are tangible proof of your knowledge and skills. Boost Confidence: Knowing you’ve mastered a subject area boosts your confidence. Attract Opportunities: More credentials mean more chances to land that dream job. Top Certifications to Consider Now, let’s discuss the juicy stuff. What certifications should you consider? Here’s a rundown that can really elevate your game: 1. Six Sigma Green Belt This certification focuses on process optimization and efficiency—a hot topic in shared services. If you’re looking to improve processes in finance, HR, or customer support, this is invaluable. 2. Certified Shared Services Professional (CSSP) If you want to specialize, the CSSP is tailor-made for you. It covers everything from service delivery models to technology integration. 3. Project Management Professional (PMP) For those who are decision-makers or managers, PMP is essential. It equips you to handle projects efficiently and effectively—a must in any GBS environment. 4. ITIL Certification The ITIL certification is a game changer if you’re working in IT services. It teaches best practices for aligning IT services with business needs, crucial for shared services transformations. 5. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Agile practices are sweeping through organizations. Being ACP certified means you’re equipped to work in dynamic environments where flexibility is key. Craft Your Learning Path Understanding which certifications to pursue isn’t enough. You need a plan. Here’s how to build a path toward certification: Assess Your Goals: What do you want to achieve? Pinpoint your career aspirations to select relevant certifications. Choose Wisely: Not every certification is necessary. Focus on those that align with your expertise and career trajectory. Get Support: Engage with mentors in the industry. They can guide you on which certifications have had the biggest impact in their careers. Real Talk: Balancing Work and Study We know you’re busy. Balancing work, life, and studies can feel like a juggling act. Here are some tips to help you manage: Time Management: Allocate specific time for your studies. Treat it like a work meeting. Online Resources: Utilize online platforms that offer flexibility—study when you can. Support Network: Join study groups or forums. Being part of a community keeps you motivated. Share Your Journey One of the best ways to solidify your knowledge is to share what you learn. Consider writing about your experiences or engaging in discussions on platforms like the THEGBSEDGE blog. Sharing insights not only helps others but reinforces your learning. The Power of Networking Don’t underestimate the power of networking in the shared services industry. Here’s how to effectively build connections: Attend Events: Participate in industry conferences and workshops to meet peers. LinkedIn Presence: Maintain an active LinkedIn profile. Share articles, achievements, and insights. Engage: Comment on posts related to shared services—start conversations and build relationships. Final Thoughts In the shared services landscape, growth is not just about climbing the ladder. It’s about bringing value to your organization and driving transformation. As you consider boosting your GBS career, remember that each certification you achieve is a step toward your goals. Align your learning with your aspirations, and watch doors open. And don’t forget to check out THEGBSEDGE for insights that keep you informed on trends and leadership strategies. Let’s be honest—this journey takes commitment and hard work, but the rewards are worth it. Take the leap. Invest in yourself. Your future self will thank you.

Are you feeling stuck in your career? Wondering how to take that next big leap in the shared services industry? I get it. We’ve all been there. The monotony of daily tasks can sometimes feel suffocating, and yet, there’s a world of opportunity waiting if you know where to look. Let’s face it: the challenges in the shared services realm are real. From adapting to rapid technological changes to improving operational efficiencies—there’s no shortage of hurdles. But you’re not alone. I’ve walked the same path for over two decades and I’m here to share my insights on how you can elevate your GBS career. Understanding the Landscape of Shared Services First off, let’s unpack what shared services really means. Shared services are all about pooling resources to streamline operations. Think about finance, HR, or IT—these departments can support multiple business units from a single, centralized platform. This approach can significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about the people making it happen. Your GBS Journey: The Importance of a Strong Foundation Your GBS career journey really kicks off with a solid foundation. This means understanding the core processes and tools of your industry. Here’s what you can focus on: Familiarize yourself with key industry metrics. Learn about process optimization techniques. Stay updated with shared services transformation trends. Skill Up and Stand Out You’ve got a good grasp on the fundamentals; now it’s time to elevate your skills. Continuous learning is critical. Your next best move? Train yourself on the tools and technologies currently shaping our industry. Consider these strategies to up your game: Attend workshops or webinars—these can offer insights into new tools and strategies. Network with industry leaders and your peers to glean knowledge and experiences. Don’t shy away from certifications; they can provide that extra edge on your resume. The Power of Mentorship Finding a mentor can be a game changer in your GBS career. Mentors provide guidance, support, and often a different perspective on challenges you’re facing. So how do you find one? Look within your organization first. Seek out those who inspire you. Approach them. Don’t hesitate to express your eagerness to learn. Most often, people are willing to help those who are enthusiastic and willing to put in the work. Building Your Professional Brand Here’s a little secret: your personal brand matters. A strong professional presence can open doors—doors you didn’t even know existed. Start by being active on platforms like LinkedIn. Share your insights, comment on articles that resonate with you, and engage with others in your field. Building relationships can lead to opportunities—sometimes even unexpected ones. Actively Seek Opportunities for Growth Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking at your door. Actively look for them. Here’s how: Volunteer for cross-functional projects within your organization; it broadens your exposure. Take on challenges that others might shy away from—show your willingness to step up. Look for roles slightly outside your comfort zone; they often come with the most growth. Share Your Knowledge Teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify your own knowledge. Consider leading training sessions or creating resources for simpler processes. This not only helps others but also showcases your expertise and builds your credibility within your team and organization. Stay Agile The landscape of shared services is always shifting. Be prepared to adapt and evolve. Emerging technologies—like AI and automation—are transforming the way we operate. Having an adaptable mindset will not only help you keep up but also set you apart as a forward-thinking professional in the GBS community. A Technological Edge Getting savvy with technology is a must in our data-driven world. Familiarize yourself with tools that enhance efficiency and support team collaboration. Some popular tools to consider include: Process mapping software Automation tools Cloud-based services for seamless collaboration Reaching Out: Community and Networking You are not alone in your journey. The power of community can’t be underestimated. Join groups that align with your interests within shared services. This can be local meetups, online forums, or professional associations. These communities can be golden if you’re looking for insights, connections, or simply a group of like-minded individuals who understand your journey. Celebrate Small Wins As you navigate through your GBS career, don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. They’re stepping stones toward the big achievements. Whether it’s completing a training program or successfully leading a project, taking a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments fuels your motivation and keeps you on track. Engage with THEGBSEDGE As you explore these paths, I highly recommend checking out THEGBSEDGE blog. It’s a powerhouse of insights on shared services topics like transformation, innovation, and leadership. Written by shared services expert Vikrant Aglawe, who has over 20 years of experience in the outsourcing and offshoring industry, this blog is your go-to resource. Final Thoughts Elevating your GBS career isn’t just about following a checklist. It’s about making a commitment to your growth and engaging with the community around you. So take that leap, embrace the journey, and remember: your path to success is uniquely yours. Go for it!