Dogged, different and excellent
State-of-the-art 2009
In the midst of an economic crisis it is not exactly a good idea to change tack completely and be “different”. But what about after the cost-cutting exercise is over? Pick up some ideas on how to invigorate your mindset on Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School’s annual State-of-the-art programme.
Age of genius is over
The most recent management insights are no longer an ode to genius, but rely heavily on a well-considered approach to actual business practice. Professor Marc Buelens: “Companies have to be able to respond to a changing environment, not necessarily by putting R&D or innovation first, but by having a well-structured organisation. It’s all about mindset. You can’t approach every business as if it were a chemical company where you control everything. In ‘thinking organisations’ you have to stimulate professionals. Companies focus on a Balanced Score Card, vision, mission and a touch of strategy, and think that it’ll work. That demotivates professionals.”
Getting out of the abyss
“In the midst of a crisis, companies need intensive care treatment, but sitting around licking your wounds afterwards is no solution,” warns Marc Buelens. “The crisis mirrors the shape of the square root sign: we’re in a dip, but we have to prepare ourselves for getting out of the abyss.” New, creative forms of partnership between companies are one option, he feels. “Another fascinating point is that talent is often overestimated. The ‘3 Fs’, Focus, Flexibility and Feedback, are more important. It’s better to do one thing really well, give talent a chance and be open to feedback.”
Anne Chapelle, Head of BVBA 32
‘A company that doesn’t dream is dead’
Anne Chapelle is Fashion Director of BVBA 32 and the business brain behind designer brands like Ann De Meulemeester and Haider Ackermann. She will be talking about managing the gap between dreams and reality at State-of-the-art 2009.
She has already proved that she is excellent, but is Anne Chapelle also dogged and different? She dispels any doubts on the subject: “I’m very dogged and different. In the fashion world, you’re always swinging back and forth between dreams and reality. You need passion for that, but also patience and distance. The doggedness of designers stirs up all sorts of emotions in me, but every six months we do have to come up with a new product. There’s always a risk involved in that.”
The economic crisis has also hit the fashion business, but there is no reason to panic, according to Anne Chapelle. “We sell dreams, whereas these days people are taking a rational look at their wallets. That’s only natural, but we shouldn’t rationalise everything. A company that doesn’t dream is dead. We want to keep on stimulating our creative people, but not at the expense of the company.”
Self-knowledge is crucial for Anne Chapelle. “I know what my own abilities are and also where I need assistance. You need self-knowledge to realise your dreams. That’s something you seldom find in industry. I mainly come across rational, intellectual people in that world. They teach me to take my time and adopt a rational approach to business.”
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State-of-the-art 2009, 27 October |