Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the rapid shifts in the business landscape? Bold moves and informed, swift decisions are the name of the game now. The world of shared services is undergoing constant transformation, and as leaders, we’ve got to keep our eyes peeled. Our associates, senior associates, and specialists in the operational and financial systems arena are looking to us for direction. So how do we cultivate a career strategy that not only stands tall in this whirlwind but also inspires the next wave of leaders?
As I reflect on my 20+ years in this space, setting up massive shared service centers for global companies, I’ve learned one crucial thing: adaptability is key. The choices we make today shape our tomorrow. Let’s dive into some straightforward strategies that can bolster your GBS leadership journey while keeping it real and relatable.
Own Your Skills: Stay relevant, stay powerful
The first step in any career strategy involves embracing a learning mindset. The shared services landscape is intricate—technology, processes, culture, finance, and customer experience all intertwine. Here’s how you can ensure your skills stay sharp:
- Attend Workshops and Seminars: Immerse yourself in the latest trends in shared services transformation. Meetups can also connect you with other leaders facing similar challenges.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning are gold mines. You can pick up skills on process optimization, project management, and change management at your own pace.
- Networking: Engage with industry experts. They often offer insights you won’t find in textbooks.
Remember, it’s often not about the years of experience but the wisdom you gain and adapt over time. More importantly, as leaders, we should also facilitate learning for our associates. It builds a culture of growth where everyone thrives.
Focus on Process Excellence: Make it work for you
Have you ever tried to get through a day with a cluttered desk? It’s messy, chaotic, and honestly… just a waste of time. The same goes for processes in our GBS environments. Process excellence influences both efficiency and morale.
Here’s how to optimize processes in your shared services organization:
- Migrate to Automation: Consider deploying robotic process automation. It’s not about cutting jobs but rather empowering your team to focus on high-value tasks.
- Regular Reviews: Dedicate time as a team to dissect workflows. Identify bottlenecks and collaboratively design solutions. It fosters a team spirit and showcases your leadership skills.
- Feedback Loops: Actively encourage input from your team. They’re the ones knee-deep in the system daily and can offer invaluable insights.
No one wants to feel stuck in a hamster wheel—not your team, not you. Fostering process excellence boosts morale and gives everyone the breathing room they crave.
Culture Counts: Build a community
In the hustle and bustle of achieving targets, it’s easy to overlook culture. But let’s be honest: a supportive culture does wonders for productivity and job satisfaction. A connected team is a motivated team.
- Employee Recognition: Celebrate victories—big or small. Create a platform for shout-outs. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
- Diversity Matters: Promote inclusivity. Different perspectives fuel innovation and creativity. Encourage new ideas even if they come wrapped in unconventional packages.
- Wellness Initiatives: Introduce wellness programs. Happy minds produce stellar results.
When your team is empowered to speak up, share ideas, and feel appreciated, you’ll notice a substantial rise in performance. And it becomes contagious—employees often end up advocating for the organization outside of the office, which brings in the right kind of attention.
Leverage Technology Innovation: Stay ahead of the curve
Ever noticed how some leaders seem to have a crystal ball? They appear always a step ahead when it comes to tech innovations. Embracing technology isn’t optional; it’s a necessity in the competitive landscape of GBS leadership.
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to industry blogs. The THEGBSEDGE blog is my go-to for insights on shared services transformation and trends that affect us all.
- Implement New Tools: Be open to adopting new tools that can streamline operations—like ERP systems or customer relationship management software.
- Encourage Tech Fluency: Ensure your team has access to tech training sessions. Tech-savvy teams lead the charge in innovation.
Investing time and resources in technology innovation doesn’t just improve operations—it helps you evolve into a forward-thinking leader. And who doesn’t want to be considered a pioneer in shared services?
Customer Experience is King: Don’t forget your purpose
Are you delivering what your customers truly need? In our realm of shared services, it’s easy to lose sight of the end users—if we aren’t delivering value to them, then what’s the point? Never overlook the importance of customer experience.
- Engage Directly: Speak to your customers. Survey them regularly. Understand their pain points.
- Feedback is Gold: Use their feedback to refine your processes. If they’re not satisfied, use it as a launchpad to improve.
- Build Relationships: Foster relationships with your clients. A personal touch can set you apart from the competition.
By putting the customer first, you’ll create loyalty that translates into long-term success. Forget the numbers game—focus on meaningful interactions that resonate.
Be a Leader, Not a Boss: Your influence matters
This last nugget might just be the most crucial. Being a leader in the shared services arena isn’t about being in a position of authority; it’s about elevating those around you. When your associates feel empowered, the entire organization benefits.
- Mentorship: Become a mentor. Sharing your experiences can sharpen skills and boost confidence.
- Accessibility: Be approachable. Your team should feel comfortable coming to you with ideas or issues.
- Lead by Example: Showcase the standards you expect to see. Integrity, accountability, and hard work should be your guiding principles.
Consider leaders you’ve admired. What did they do differently? Often, it lies in their approachability and willingness to invest in their teams. Embrace that idea.
Final Thoughts
The GBS landscape is continually shifting, and the leaders who succeed in the future will be those who adapt quickly and purposefully. By prioritizing your skills, focusing on process excellence, building a strong culture, leveraging technology innovation, enhancing customer experience, and embodying true leadership, you’re setting yourself—not just your career—but your entire team up for success.
Remember, this isn’t a solo journey. The strategies we implement today will shape the future of shared services for generations. So, let’s embrace the future together and lead with heart and purpose. For more insights on shared services transformation, check out the THEGBSEDGE blog. Subscribe to stay ahead of the curve!
