Way of Working

The term “Way of Working” means different things to each of us, but it is becoming the common phrase to describe the tasks we perform daily.

It encompasses various facets such as our meeting cadence, our attitude towards one another, the tools we use, and how we collectively strive towards a common goal.

What is clear is that an effective Way of Working requires structure, but it must also be agile, flexible, and dynamic. It includes human attitudes, often characterized as having a growth mindset.

Teams and organizations strive to understand what this means in order to mobilize in pragmatic, strategic, and consistent ways. And then they need to be ready to be intentional, drive, be open to adjust, and do it all over again.

Shift Approach to Become More Dynamic

Trust

Trust is a complex topic, especially in a business environment focused on results. However, the positive impact of trust is well researched and understood. Building trust at scale starts with intention.

Transparency

While transparency is often cited as invaluable, creating an environment that delivers it requires time and attention – resources that busy individuals often struggle with. Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort to redesign your time to establish and maintain transparency.

Vigilance

Vigilance is about being alert and staying focused. It’s not a constant requirement, but it’s necessary to develop your Way of Working in a dynamic, ever-changing market landscape.

Six Experience-Shaping Design Considerations

Meeting Cadence

Way of Working can refer to the types and frequency of meetings needed to run and grow the business. These meetings serve as platforms for strategy implementation, organizational health checks, and forums for coaching and development at an organizational level.

Project Management & Tools

Way of Working can also refer to project management, involving an established set of tools, resources, communication methods, and team-alignment strategies.

Operating Models

Way of Working can encompass the end-to-end operating model to support a new business model or strategy. This may include restructuring, transition management, business processes, role profiles, and talent assessments, among other things.

Leadership

The Way of Working also reflects how leaders run their businesses. It considers how the organization enables leaders to provide context and direction, translating values, goals, and objectives to their teams in a way that leads to business success.

Attitude

For some, Way of Working represents an attitude towards work. Attributes like straightforwardness, a growth mindset, and courage are often associated with this perspective.

How We Do Our Jobs

In a traditional performance management context, Way of Working refers to the structure of “how we do our jobs” in contrast to “what we do,” often referred to as tasks or deliverables.