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Writer's pictureKerrie Smit

Challenging Traditions: Insights from a Market Embracing Innovation

Updated: Dec 28, 2023

I'm hearing mixed reviews of 2023.


For the industries I've been working in this year, it's been a challenging one. As the world continues to change and we adjust, we're seeing a fundamental shift in market power bases. If businesses are not yet agile, or agile 'enough', then they're going to be stunned by the potential to be left behind in coming years.


Market behaviour is moving away from support for traditional business structures, less concerned with size and scale, and more interested in innovation, satisfaction, customisation, self-service, transparency and diversity than ever before.


Has this caught you out this year? Whereas before we used to be able to say "that's not how it works" and "that's not how we do it", if those words have left your mouth recently, then chances are you've just passed up the next big opportunity.


You've probably explained how things really do work and you were well meaning. But in doing so you may not have recognised the opportunity to create something new that will fill a need and resonate in the marketplace. Markets are embracing innovation and challenging traditions.


Innovation can be a sudden explosion or it can be a slow erosion. You don't have to get it right first time (you won't), it's not a perfect process, it may even seem high effort, low reward.


But 2023 asked more of us than a two-by-two risk/reward matrix.


This year asked us what else we're doing with our time that's more valuable than thinking about solutions to the problems we're not yet facing. 2023 nagged at our conscience and even though we're approaching the end of the year, thinking we got away with it, 2023 will pass the baton over to 2024.


Let me give you a hot prediction that 2024 will be a less patient, more grass-roots driven, faster year than its predecessor.


As we move into the break, it's the right time to clear our minds of 2023 and all it's demands and challenges. As we emerge into 2024, however, it will pay to be ready.


How can you build Team 24 to be

  • Highly responsive, not reactive

  • Innovators rather than admirers of the problem

  • Transparent in dealings

  • Capable of taking and managing risk

  • Fundamentally diverse in a way that all the voices are woven into the solution

  • Listening for change and ready to embrace it?


You can do it! You may need to challenge your own thinking enough to accept and believe the market insights. You might need support to have the confidence to run out to meet the market. It might be new for you to ask for help when you need it. If 2023 was a bit of a boat race, 2024 will be a team sport led by the genuine intentions of the top teams.


2024 will ask of you energy, passion and leadership - and not the kind you get from a spreadsheet. This coming year will be about moments, urge, motivation and hunger to create something that matters. It will be about teams and leaders. It will be about drawing insights from a market embracing innovation and challenging traditions.


We're change makers, we're here to help with change management services that inspire and support you and your team. We're ready and we're responsive. Check out www.agenciachange.com and book a free introductory appointment to discuss how we can support your people change agenda in 2024.




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