'In a data-empowered digital world in which solving customers’ problems has become the key success factor, the traditional model for retail supply-chain excellence has to evolve, and retailers must find ways to offer customer convenience across all touchpoints.' - McKinsey

 

Consumer priorities are changing. Brand loyalty, while not quite a thing of the past, is heavily influenced by customer experience.

The widespread adoption of new technologies has made the customer journey interactive, frictionless and more valuable. Although this is great for the consumer, it puts pressure on retailers to update their legacy systems or lose out to the competition.

By 2023, at least 50 percent of global companies will use IoT, advanced analytics, and AI in supply chain operations. That’s according to this report from Gartner.

Delivering on the promises of Intelligent Automation can be overwhelming, especially if the hype is oversold and you’re not made aware of the potential blockers and challenges that could derail your ability to scale.

Healthcare in the UK is going through a period of rapid evolution, innovating in response to unprecedented pressure created by an ageing population and relatively less funding being generated through taxation.

What is the difference between Training and Coaching?

I find this an invaluable question when interviewing not only coaches and trainers, but Scrum Masters, Project Managers (where the client calls them that) and Programme Managers or Programme Directors. Their response gives me insight into their understanding of how leaders can help to create a Learning Organisation.

Agile teams aspiring to deliver value to their customer earlier and more regularly rely on successful product ownership. This comes largely from the team member whom the organisation has empowered to represent the customer whilst defining requirements, prioritising deliverables and managing evolving business needs. As Mastek's Digital Transformation lead I have worked through this first-hand with the NHS.

Most digital teams look to their Scrum Master or Project Manager when there is a problem or when a decision needs to be made. But to ensure that teams become self-managing and find their own momentum, digital leaders need techniques to help advance behaviour.

Dylan hit the ground pretty hard…. He smacked his head and his rugby helmet was in my bag. “It itches Dad!”…. At least he had his gum shield in...

My son is also a rugby player called Dylan and it’s hard to see him get hurt. It's difficult to know which risks are okay for a youngster. But every game sees him stronger and better. Rugby builds his confidence. He knows about the strength of a team – literally. He gets better, so he works harder. He listens to his coaches. They are generous, patient, keen volunteers - great role models. They love to see him play well. His club runs medical training so lots of members are medics. He has the right team around him. And the right tools for the job - if only he would use them.

Tools are key to success but should not be over-complicated.

Instant chat (Lync, Messenger) and a phone and/or USB headset are key. [All agile tools here are Trademarks]