Teams & Professionals

Ever felt like making a difference but weren’t quite sure where to start? You’re not alone! We all want to contribute to a greener planet, but often, we hit a brick wall. So here I am, sharing my journey into leading sustainable change through an eco-friendly project, hoping it inspires you to kickstart your own initiatives. My name’s Vikrant Aglawe, and I’ve spent over 20 years navigating the twists and turns of the outsourcing and offshoring landscape. From tech to non-tech, I’ve seen it all. But today, it’s not just about business—it’s about being our planet’s champions. Let’s talk about how I took a leap toward sustainability and what it meant for everyone involved. What Sparked the Change? Let me take you back a bit. I remember sitting in those endless board meetings, we were always circling around profitability and efficiency, but at what cost? One day, it dawned on me: what if we could craft a business model that’s not just about dollars and cents but also about our planet’s well-being? I proposed an eco-friendly project aimed at integrating sustainability into our core operations, and trust me, it felt like jumping into the deep end without a life raft. Here’s what we wanted to achieve: Reduce waste significantly. Implement green technologies. Engage employees in sustainability efforts. Create a culture of long-term environmental awareness. Sounds ambitious, right? Let me assure you, it was, but every step felt necessary. The journey wasn’t only about the business but also about the people—the heart of every organization. Gathering the Team Nothing happens in isolation. I rallied a team of champions—dedicated folks who were as passionate about sustainability as I was. We started with brainstorming sessions. These discussions weren’t your typical meetings, though. We explored ideas that evoked passion. It was exciting to see how each member had unique insights based on their roles, experiences, and personal beliefs. We were a motley crew, yet united in purpose! Here are some strategies we can all learn from: Encourage open conversations—everyone should be heard. Combine interests—find overlaps in various disciplines to drive innovation. Set clear goals—clarity helps keep everyone focused. Celebrate every milestone—recognition fuels motivation. Creating Actionable Steps Once we gathered our team, the next challenge was tangible actions. Knowing what felt right is one thing, but executing it is a whole different ballgame. Here’s how we crafted our roadmap: Assess Current Practices: It’s time to take an honest look at where we stood. We computed our carbon footprint, waste statistics, and energy consumption. Set Measurable Targets: We set realistic yet ambitious targets that we could track over time. Implement Recycling Programs: Easy wins were crucial; we initiated comprehensive recycling initiatives. Embrace Technology: From energy-efficient appliances to telecommuting tools, we grabbed every opportunity for green tech. The beauty of leading sustainable change is how it creates a ripple effect. Each small action we took snowballed into bigger commitments. That initial recycling program turned into larger community outreach efforts. Telling Our Story People want to align with narratives they believe in. That’s why I dedicated time to share our progress. We documented our journey, showcasing the raw highs and lows of the process. I even started a blog as a platform to engage others in our mission. Check out the THEGBSEDGE for more insights into topics on shared services transformation! Engaging the Wider Audience A pivotal moment in our project was hosting a community engagement event. It wasn’t just about us, but about spreading this vital conversation. By connecting with local businesses and community groups, we created a buzz around sustainability. During this time, we invited process experts and subject matter experts to share insights on their sustainability journeys. What I learned was shared knowledge is power. Here are a few tips that came from this collaboration: Network—find like-minded organizations. Share success stories to inspire others. Work towards community goals together. Measuring Our Impact No journey is complete without solid metrics to assess progress. We put in place regular check-ins to review our targets: Monthly Reports: Tracking waste reduction and energy savings. Feedback Surveys: Understanding employee and customer perspectives on our initiatives. Community Contributions: Measuring engagement levels in local sustainability efforts. Seeing numbers drop, knowledge spread, and local impact grow was gratifying. These weren’t just figures—they represented our commitment to the future! Closing Thoughts on Leading Sustainable Change Leading sustainable change is no walk in the park. But the journey can be genuinely rewarding. You start with a vision and transform it into actionable steps, all while engaging and inspiring others in the process. We’re still on this journey, and I’m committed to sharing every lesson along the way. Ready to take the plunge? The shared services industry is evolving, and we have the power to shape it positively. Need more tips and inspiration? Check out the THEGBSEDGE blog dedicated to transformational efforts in our industry! Together, let’s continue leading sustainable change for a brighter future!

Ever felt like you’re stuck between departments, each pulling in a direction that feels completely opposite? Welcome to the reality of cross-functional teams. You’re not alone if you’re grappling with communication breakdowns or frustrated by stalled projects. We live in a world where teamwork isn’t just encouraged; it’s essential. For leaders, mastering the art of cross-functional success isn’t optional; it’s imperative. Let’s dive into some tried and tested lessons that can transform the way you lead your teams. Understanding the Landscape First off, what is cross-functional collaboration? It’s the blending of diverse skill sets from various departments to tackle complex challenges. Whether it’s product development pulling in marketing insights, or finance getting involved with operations, the goal is clear: synergy. Here’s the kicker—when teams come together seamlessly, innovation takes flight. Conversely, misalignment can send your project spiraling. So, how do you ensure everyone’s on the same page? Build Trust and Foster Communication Communication can be the glue or the wrecking ball. Think about it: the clearer the dialogue, the smoother the collaboration. Set Clear Expectations: Define roles and responsibilities upfront. Not everyone will understand the big picture unless you lay it out. Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where team members feel safe voicing their concerns. Let’s face it; unanswered questions can fester and create distrust. Use Collaboration Tools: Slack, Asana, and other tools can keep everyone in sync. Don’t let remote work be an excuse for losing touch. Real talk: I’ve seen teams transform just by instituting weekly check-ins. These small wins can pay major dividends. And speaking of which, let’s talk about the power of shared goals. Align Around Common Objectives When you get teams aiming for the same target, magic happens. Create Collective Goals: These aren’t just for the dreamers. Draft goals that invite contributions from everyone involved. Celebrate Milestones Together: By acknowledging wins—big or small—you build community. Regular Feedback Loops: Constructive feedback keeps the momentum rolling. Don’t wait for project completion to share insights; feedback is best served hot. Here’s a personal anecdote: During a recent project, my team discovered breakthroughs simply by aligning everyone’s objectives. It breathed new life into our work vibe and delivered results beyond what we expected. Encourage Diversity of Thought Let’s not shy away from the importance of diverse perspectives. Different departments bring their unique flavors to the table. Invite Input from All Levels: Don’t just hear from the top dogs; other voices offer valuable insights. Everyone’s got something to contribute. Encourage Creative Problem Solving: Break down barriers—let teams brainstorm together. Diversity often sparks innovation. Be Open to New Ideas: It’s easy to get stuck in a rut. New perspectives can offer solutions to challenges you didn’t even know existed. More than once, I’ve witnessed teams solve what seemed like impossible tasks by blending unique perspectives. This brings me to a vital point: the need for adaptability. Flexibility in Processes So what happens when plans go awry? They will—count on it. Stay Agile: Embrace changes without losing momentum. Flexibility is key to navigating chaos. Iterate, Don’t Fall Back: When a plan doesn’t work, pivot. Adjust your methodologies accordingly. Empower Your Teams: Let them make decisions. Empowerment lifts morale and trust—all key ingredients for cross-functional success. Remember, some of your best insights will come from adapting to the unexpected. Be prepared to pivot, and you’ll foster a culture that thrives amid change. Celebrate Cross-Functional Success It’s easy to overlook achievements, especially when you’re focused on the next hurdle. But don’t skip this step. Celebrating success builds morale. Recognize High Performers: Everyone loves a shout-out—especially for a job well done. Reflect on Journeys: Have debrief sessions after projects, celebrating both victories and learnings. Incorporate Fun: Team-building activities can also cultivate interpersonal bonds that translate to professional alliances. Reflecting on how far you’ve come as a cross-functional team can be the fuel for the next big project. And don’t forget, your team is your most valuable asset. Treat them as such. Staying True to Your Purpose While strategy and collaboration are vital, don’t lose sight of your mission. Success boils down to staying true to your purpose. Keep that front and center as you navigate cross-functional challenges. Let’s bring this home. Cross-functional collaboration isn’t just about getting it done. It’s about creating an environment where each team can thrive, share knowledge, and innovate together. Leaders play a pivotal role in steering this collaboration. If you lead with purpose, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity, you’ll have a winning formula. Remember, cross-functional success is attainable. All it takes is a genuine focus on connectivity, trust, and shared goals. For more insights into shared services transformation, leadership, and culture, check out THEGBSEDGE—the best source of knowledge in our industry. Written by me, Vikrant Aglawe, a shared services expert with over 20 years of hands-on experience, I invite you to join our community and share your learnings.

Ever felt like your team is spinning its wheels, stuck in a rut where processes are more of a burden than a boost? It’s frustrating. You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you can turn it around in just 90 days. It takes effort, a solid plan, and the willingness to embrace change. Let’s break it down for you. Step 1: Assess the Landscape First things first, you need a clear picture of what’s going on. Look at the current processes, identify pain points, and gather feedback from your team. Getting everyone’s input is key. It’s vital to understand where people are struggling and why. Hold one-on-one sessions to hear concerns. Set up anonymous surveys for honest feedback. Analyze performance metrics to find trends. Step 2: Define Success Alright, you know where you’re at. Now, where do you want to be? Define what success looks like for your team. This can be quantitative metrics like: Time taken for task completion Cost reductions Quality of output But also consider qualitative factors: Team morale and engagement Customer satisfaction Step 3: Gather Your Allies You can’t do this alone. It takes a team! Assemble a cross-functional team comprised of folks from different departments. This gives you diverse perspectives and expertise. Think about: Process Experts Subject Matter Experts Culture Champions Step 4: Map Out Your Plan Now, you have your current state, your desired state, and your dream team ready to roll. Time to craft a plan! Keep it simple, actionable, and broken down into manageable goals. Some handy milestones can be: Weeks 1-2: Diagnostic phase. Deep dive into existing processes. Weeks 3-5: Design phase. Begin shaping your new processes. Weeks 6-8: Implementation phase. Roll out your new processes. Weeks 9-12: Review phase. Analyze results and adjust as needed. Step 5: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! This is where many teams falter. You MUST keep everyone in the loop. Share what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how it’ll affect them. Use different platforms—regular meetings, posters, newsletters—whatever it takes! Step 6: Roll It Out Time to shine! Get your new processes into action and take care as you introduce changes. Chemistry between team members and new workflows can be delicate. Offer support and be there to troubleshoot as necessary. Step 7: Measure and Adjust Once you’ve rolled out the new processes, keep an eye on performance. Gather data, monitor metrics, and seek ongoing feedback. It’s essential to be agile here—don’t be afraid to tweak and refine as needed. Continuous improvement is key. Testimonials from the Front Lines Let me share a quick story. I worked with a shared services team that was struggling with inefficiencies in their finance processes. After assessing their challenges, we defined success as reducing the time to close monthly accounts by two days. Within 90 days, not only had we met our goal, but the team was also buzzing with newfound confidence! The Bottom Line Revitalizing a failing process isn’t impossible. It just takes intention, strategy, and teamwork. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Transform your operations, lift team spirits, and redefine success in just 90 days. If you’re looking for more resources and insights on shared services, make sure to check out THEGBSEDGE blog. It’s packed with valuable content on transformation, innovation, and leadership. This blog is created by Vikrant Aglawe—your go-to expert with 20+ years in shared services and the outsourcing industry.