Improving the past and shaping the future: 5G and the VUCA world (symbol image)
The made-up word “VUCA” (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity) stands for the role of people in the introduction of 5G applications to declare the handling of the technology a common cause. This results in a code of conduct that illuminates the handling of 5G from different perspectives, so that the willing and the able act in step and 5G is seen as teamwork in the value creation of all partners. Waltraud Gläser
Waltraud Gläser (organizational consulting, sparring, coaching, facilitation)
Often our technology communication focuses on innovation without referencing the people who realize the handling of components and systems. In terms of 5G, this means that 5G technology acts as the foundation to realize the promise of digital transformation. The highest wireless connectivity requirements are combined with radically increased levels of guaranteed reliability, availability, security and performance.
However, what this means for people in the enterprise – from executives to management to production workers – while the experience of working with the technology is hardly mentioned, it is the experience of working with the technology. VUCA describes the phenomenon of how the individual terms volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity create a contextual reference to the work environment, with personal values, roles and responsibilities influencing these aforementioned factors differently.
“Experiential knowledge in times of digital transformation is valuable and belongs to be shared. Overall, it is precisely about matching existing knowledge and experiences made. And that is with what is needed for meaningful and beneficial technologization. This is where change and transformation meet, where the past is improved and the future is shaped.”
In combination with a technology like 5G, the perception and evaluation of things changes, because an interaction occurs that needs to be examined to see to what extent change becomes necessary – and is also wanted. Provided one can derive a personal connection and, above all, a benefit from this change, one will face this development. Depending on the type of person and the understanding of technology, one sees the VUCA phenomena and their immediate signals for proactive change. So it takes a certain understanding of innovative technologies and an awareness of what benefits they bring, but also whether one is capable of mastering them oneself. According to Waltraud Gläser, who provides organizational consulting, sparring, coaching and facilitation services, these are the essential elements of coherence that we humans need in order to stay healthy, for example (see coherence model from salutogenesis according to Aaron Antonovsky).
People and 5G
In a company, the management bears the main responsibility for creating suitable conditions for the employees so that they can make a successful contribution to value creation according to their capabilities. This works best while maintaining the aforementioned aspects of meaningfulness, comprehensibility and feasibility for the implementation of 5G.
In concrete terms, this means disclosing to all stakeholders what 5G technology and its effects mean and will bring about in terms of change, but also showing what benefits will accompany it. The less understanding and transparency there is, the more the door is opened to reservations and fear. In addition, Ms. Gläser recommends that all decision-makers and executives take to heart one principle of change management: namely, to turn those affected into those involved. Especially since this makes it much easier to take advantage of opportunities to sow motivation and innovation.
The ability and willingness to implement 5G are directly related. First of all, solving a complex problem requires skills and knowledge. When it comes to wanting, on the other hand, you need concrete conditions for yourself, which is dependent on how much you are affected. Does technological disruption affect me? Is learning the process to have interest, curiosity and fun in 5G?
5G and the VUCA world…
… is a duet complete precisely because people are shaping, testing and driving this wireless connectivity to acceptance. In this challenge, all stakeholders bear the responsibility, because change management should inspire, motivate and bring everyone along. Only in this way can “5G” become a common cause that dissolves classic silo thinking and thus often redefines corporate structures.
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