Heiti Hoffschmidt

Second post about the learnings of working in a globally distributed company: the unspoken cultural norms in Global Teams. Erin Mayer wrote an amazing book about cultural habits to explain and visualize via a map how cultures differ in eight specific categories. Highly recommended. When someone has to work with people around the world first, will probably only consider the language barrier. However, working across cultures isn't just about language—it's about understanding the unspoken rules that shape communication. These norms, while subtle, can profoundly impact team dynamics, decision-making, and overall success. Did you know that a simple piece of feedback can mean drastically different things in different cultures? A Western manager might say, “Your presentation needs couple of improvements here and there” intending to provide constructive feedback. However, a colleague from a less-direct culture may find this directness overly harsh and demoralizing. On the flip side, a subtle suggestion like, “Perhaps we could consider a few small changes,” might leave the Western manager unaware there’s a bigger issue. Even something as simple as starting a virtual meeting with small talk can feel either warm or wasteful, depending on the cultural lens. Effective communication definitely isn’t “one-size-fits-all”. From direct vs. indirect feedback to hierarchy norms, small talk, and emotional expressiveness, every interaction carries cultural nuances. Adaptation is the key. Leadership is about ensuring everyone feels understood.

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The secret to developing new skills like no-code and AI Dive into a cycle of learning and doing, without waiting to know everything. That’s how Wes Kao founded Maven, an edtech platform, and how we learn at the No-Code x AI Bootcamp together with Harold D., Max H., the whole cohort 12 and experts like Ashton Wesley. Last week, I accomplished the following daily challenges: ⚡ Built a Custom GPT in openai ⚡ Developed an AI Assistant using Chipp ⚡ Set up my first database in Airtable ⚡ Created a web app using Glide While applying I grasped the basic principles of the new way of building. Combining data, logic, and UI is key in the no-code world. What’s your hack to upskill effectively? #Nocode, #100school, #lifelonglearning, #upskilling; #bootcamp

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Discover how Swiss SMEs can harness the power of Enterprise Architecture through a pragmatic approach: 🔍 Learn what an enterprise architecture framework is ⚙️ Find out how frameworks like TOGAF can optimise costs and improve agility 🔑 Explore a step-by-step guide for implementing Enterprise Architecture Read in our article how to align your IT infrastructure and strategy with a structure Enterprise Architecture methodology : https://lnkd.in/dZvjFHNT #EnterpriseArchitecture #BusinessAlignment #ITStrategy #DigitalLeadership Rejhan Fazlic Joscha Milinski Albert Faessler Prafull Sharma Ralf Thiele Sarthak Mahapatra Matthias Leybold

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What happens when you map 700 CEO predictions from over 100 different sources? The result is insights into what CEOs are talking about in 2024. Dive into the Global Forecast Report 24 by Visual Capitalist to explore key trends and predictions shaping the business landscape in the coming year.

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Many large-scale technology implementations fail because of the tendency to carry over outdated and inefficient processes into new systems. This results in a significant sub-optimization of your investment. Enter the Zero-Based Redesign approach, which views processes from the perspective of a blank sheet of paper. It focuses on what the business needs versus what the business has always done. Considered a best practice approach by strategy firms such as McKinsey and Bain, it might be worth evaluating for your own organization. Are you ready to optimize your investments and take your business to the next level? It might be time to give Zero-Based Redesign a try.

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!!INNOVATION SYSTEMS NEED A REBOOT!! Probably yours too… ☝ That is a fact according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) recently published "Most Innovative Companies report 2024" (see link in first comment). Innovation prioritization is up ⬆ but the global innovation readiness is down ↘ While 83% of companies rank innovation as a top-three priority, only 3% globally are ready to translate their priorities to results!!!! -->What means that 97% of all innovation systems need a tune-up 🛠 So what to do? BCG recommends to start with aligning your innovation strategy with the business strategy: “Without a sharp innovation strategy aligned with a clear business strategy—offering clarity on target customers and the most attractive innovation domains—even the most efficient and flexible innovation system will fail to create value, particularly in disruptive times." Just taking a few shots with the “just-do-it mentality” in different directions may reward the lucky ones. But it’s time for innovators to recommit to strategy. What is your opinion on that? Hans Sailer Stefan Pirchmoser Franz Zöchbauer Peter Schliesselberger Mathias Schaffer Andrea Edelmann Klaus Weissmann Lukas Giner Karin Dietachmayr Stefan Erschwendner Anton Schilling Philippe Thiltges Georg Frick Lukas Meusburger Franziska Hecht Maximilian Unger Max Steindl-Ditzel Simon Nopp Tobias Göllner Martina Schmerold-Tagunoff Andreas Lovric Florian Steiner Laurent Siquet Julia Brugger #innovation #strategy

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One of the ways to solve the age-old dilemma of running a business while changing it at the same time is to rewire the operating model. Join my colleagues, Michael Bucy, Stephan Görner, and Rachel McKlindon, as they discuss how to best align performance objectives between a transformation and regular operations. If you'd like to request an invite: https://lnkd.in/enZNk73N #Transformation #OperationsTransformation #McKinsey #McKinseyWebcast

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The insights from BNY’s Roman Regelman and my colleague Kevin Carmody in this interview are invaluable for leaders in the process of digital and AI transformations. Business leaders often put too much emphasis on the technical aspects of their transformation efforts. As Kevin explains, “Transformations require a fundamental change in how people think and work. If an executive team, starting with the CEO, is not committed to it, then you shouldn’t do a transformation.” Fine-tuning and optimizing new tech and infrastructure deserves attention, but adapting culturally is equally important. Leaders need to ensure that every employee across the organization is not only aligned with the mission but also motivated to excel with the support of new infrastructure. Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/gkVtzNn8 #McKinseyDigital #DigitalTransformation

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BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP (BCG) Why Companies Get Agile Right—and Wrong MAY 08, 2024 By Michael Grebe, Nicolas Hunke, Nina Kataeva, Erik Lenhard, Jaap Backx, Benjamin Rehberg, and Valerio Gardelli Key Takeaways: BCG’s latest research reveals that only about half of the companies that claim high agile maturity have actually achieved their transformation goals and can point to real business impact. In-depth research with 127 companies worldwide found that almost all (94%) had embarked on agile initiatives, with two thirds (66%) claiming successful agile transformations. But when asked which agile practices they applied and what outcomes they achieved, only about half (53%) said they had realized their transformation targets and created lasting change in their culture, ways of working, and ways of teaming. The other half (47%) are operating under the illusion of agility: they adopted the practices and are claiming some success, but they are not reaping the benefits of improved performance. https://lnkd.in/gq5zCfEa

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Hey Everyone! In our latest episode on the AI IXX platform, I sit down with Robin Harbort, the Manager of AI at Rewion. Robin shares his journey from Microsoft 365 to AI consulting, working on innovative AI projects for large German companies. We also delve into the most popular AI tools, corporate AI use cases, and the crucial role of data security. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a business looking to harness AI's power, this episode is packed with insights and practical advices. So! what are you waiting for? watch the full episode now! https://lnkd.in/dKSFzt6X #aiixx #artificialintelligence #technology #ai #innovation #development

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Great article by my colleague and friend Eric DeJong!

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WHAT MARKET STAGES DO YOU TARGET? For some people, Gartner's Hype Cycle curve makes a lot of sense. Others criticize it. You can judge it yourself ... more details about it can be found here: https://lnkd.in/erHnn7Y or in a book dedicated to it /*. Something interesting happens when we overlap it with another famous curve, introduced by a team of Kearney researchers: The Consolidation-Endgame curve. It was initially presented in a HBR article in 2002 /** and in a book that was published the same year/^. A decade later, it was revisited to a more detailed version, illustrated below /^^ The combination of these two curves allows us to explain what usually happens in an industry / arena along the inflection points that may determine our Strategic Horizons. What positions do you target to occupy along this evolution timeline? 1. EARLY MOVER You have invested resources into incubating an innovation that can shape the market, or even create one that never existed before. For a while, you may eventually swim in a Blue Ocean. But soon after, your Value Proposition and supporting Activity & Capabilities systems are copied by other market players. The market opens to an initial fragmentation that is fueled by a nascent hype around the new technology or new combination of competitive factors. 2. TOP PROMOTER Sensing the opportunity, you may decide to focus on the new technology or solutions, often as a Fast Follower (not necessarily an Early Mover). You invest in promoting and riding with maximum market impact the growing hype cycle's Peak of Inflated Expectations. 3. MARKET LEADER You might become a long-view investor and exploit the growth opportunities of the Enlightenment Slope, once the market recovers from the Trough of Disillusionment. You are building a strong Competitive Advantage that allows you to harvest for years the benefits of a market shared with few other players during market's Dominance period. This timeline is measured in years. It means that you should be able to anticipate the inflection points that determine the boundaries between these evolution stages and define your Strategic Horizons accordingly. /* Mastering the Hype Cycle: How to Choose the Right Innovation at the Right Time, Jackie Fenn, Mark Raskino, HBR Press (2008) https://lnkd.in/d8nN-KAB /** The Consolidation Curve, Graeme K. Deans, Fritz Kroeger, Stefan Zeisel, HBR, December 2002 https://lnkd.in/dZGB92UR /^ Winning the Merger Endgame, Graeme Deans, Fritz Kroeger, Stefan Zeisel, McGraw Hill (2002) https://lnkd.in/dxw2Vr8i /^^ The Merger Endgame Revisited, Jürgen Rothenbuecher, Joerg Schrottke, Sandra Niewiem, AT Karney (2013) https://lnkd.in/dntTJi2F Also read: KNOW YOUR STRATEGIC HORIZON https://lnkd.in/dUT96Hrh THE ESSENCE OF SETTING OUR STRATEGIC HORIZON https://lnkd.in/dRcvvk66 HOW TO DEFINE OUR STRATEGIC HORIZON? https://lnkd.in/d333Ygxs QUARTERLY STRATEGIC HORIZON? https://lnkd.in/dvKVEkMs NOT JUST MARKET CONSOLIDATION https://lnkd.in/dhnK9HHA

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#ChatGPT is great! #GoogleGemini has tremendous power! #Claude.ai is an amazing #AIplatform! Says who and how is the user supposed to be able to tell? Are there differences or are they clones (hence the illustration below)? Something conspicuously missing from today's AI debates is differentiation among the major AI providers. Stunning sums of money are being poured into the development of #ArtificialIntelligence. But there's something strange going on here. None of them talk about what makes them different or better than the others? It's easy to distinguish between #Windows and #iOS. You can also make judgements about which is best for your company's particular needs. Same with #laptops, #tablets, #smartphones and so much more. But how should a #companypresident or #CEO determine if one particular AI platform is better for their company than the other? Does it matter? I know a company that started building #AIchatbots using the ChatGPT's #LLM. Why ChatGPT? It's the one they knew, eventually they built an interface to use Claude. Is this something the customer should care about? How would the customer to know to care about it? It's easy to find articles today asking the question will #AI eventually become a #commodity like #electricity or #gas? It's not hard to imagine. It is likely that in the coming years what will become far more likely are #AIapplications for specific tasks such as #accounting or #qualitycontrol. The underlying platform will probably not have much relevance. Next time you see one of the big AI providers touting the latest round of investment or how fast their latest release will be ask yourself "what is the tangible difference to the user and how are they different from the others?" Want to stay ahead of the curve on all things AI? Follow #TheAIconversation for daily insights into the frontier technologies shaping our world.

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When do you think the #services market will be disrupted by AI? Hint: it's now. Our report, Consulting Reimagined, out today, explores data from 600 buyers. They want a new model - people, supercharged by AI - that can deliver more #value for money, faster.    In our research, 89% of buyers said they expect consulting services to incorporate AI for improved productivity and quality. And 66% say they'll stop working with consultancies that can't figure out how to marry people and tech for their benefit.    That's why I'm so excited about IBM's new #Consulting as #Science model. Check out the data behind our new approach, and let me know what you think.   https://lnkd.in/gC3Ph5mc   Mohamad Ali, Matthew Candy, Blaine Dolph, Jesús Mantas, James J. Kavanaugh, Rob Thomas, Karen Feldman, Varun Bijlani, Raphael (Rafi) Ezry, Rahul Kalia, Dave McCann, Kelly Chambliss, Joanne Wright, Mihai Criveti, Teresa Hamid, Chris Hay, A B Vijay Kumar, Eileen Lowry, Luq Niazi, Jacob Dencik, Anthony Marshall, Cindy Anderson, Christine Rupp, Nickle LaMoreaux, Jason Kelley, Juhi McClelland, Vijay Vijayasankar, Susan Wedge, Kelly Chambliss, Jonathan Wright ***

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A talk about HUMAN & AI in coexistence .. technology shaping behavior in us and where we work. Technologies change fast, while humans change behavior slowly. SINGULARITY suggests integrating humans & technology into one future world to improve life. •  Do we need a new behavioral design to meet the digital future? •  Can we adapt to this integration fast enough? •  What digital technologies are natural for humans to adopt? •  If we, on a personal level, don’t integrate AI fast enough, how will you be left behind? •  Do we dare to invite AI into our homes, companies, and culture and do we have a choice? These topics will be discussed in depth. Book below:

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Great TED-Talk of Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. It is so reassuring that his outlook for the coming years reflects exactly what my colleagues and I at FutureManagementGroup AG have been saying in projects and talks for years. We will have personal, corporate and government AI assistants and colleagues. They will be a kind of artificial species created by us humans and that will flank us and still have a life of their own. The strategic and ethical framework needs to be defined today! The technology will not be taken back, it must be integrated responsibly. #AI #strategy #foresight

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There are MANY AI examples/use cases. But it can be daunting on how and where to get started. That's where IBM Consulting can help. We can help you make sense of it all and work with multiple stakeholders to launch a successful program.

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Great read on the rise of Chief Transformation Officers (CTOs)! The breakdown of "Reactive" vs. "Preemptive" transformations insightful. It highlights that proactive companies are also embracing change to stay ahead. Moving on! Companies are increasingly turning to CTOs to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The data is compelling - CTO-led transformations appear to significantly improve shareholder value. Here are some key takeaways that resonated with me: Transformations benefit all companies, not just struggling ones. The concept of "transformation" goes beyond turnaround situations. Leading companies are using CTOs to maintain their competitive edge. The "CTO Dividend" is real. Both underperforming and high-performing firms saw significant improvement after hiring a CTO. Focus on both strategy and execution. The study emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision ("the WHAT") alongside effective implementation ("the HOW"). Tom Pemberton sound familiar? Hiring a CTO is just the first step. Success requires a supportive structure, clear goals, and leadership buy-in. Question: How can companies ensure they create the right environment for a CTO to thrive? #CTO #Transformation #BusinessStrategy

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