(English) Build tomorrow by awakening everyone’s true calling

Source : L’Echo
Translation : Club of Brussels

The Club of Brussels* starts its second season on a key theme that touches us all: to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

About thirty experts were united in Agoria’s offices to find alternatives in reconnecting the population to their vocations, in the desire to learn about the jobs anticipated by the society of tomorrow – while facing multiple stakes that are promising to be overwhelming.

The forecast is shocking: based on the existing evidence, we will be missing 600,000 people in Belgium from here to 2030 to keep our economy turning. Even if we manage to ‘update’ the skillsets of 4,6 million people, Belgium will lose 95 billion euros of GDP per year from now to 2030, which is increasing in the meantime. We will therefore lose 540 billion, while we need as much to finance pensions, security and the 25 other historical stakes that will converge by then.

The stakes are doubled by the fact that a great number of the youth lag behind in regards to the jobs in demand, and that numerous members of generation X and Y are weakened and unable to take up on technological jobs – while they have to truck on for another 15 to 20 years…

Proposed strategy for progress

Preparing for the future by informing the public on the various stakes at hand, and how to function in a way that is more ‘systemic’. Through media publications, as well as conferences and articles, hidden issues and opportunities can be explained simply. Having a message that is pragmatic but optimistic – opportunistic and reassuring, doubles as a call to action for resources and talents around concrete projects, because we will then be doing nothing alone. Information and training around new ways to behave that work (systemic, collaborative, multisolutions) with eye witness reports and examples.

Put ideas to the test without waiting, with pioneers and visionary companies. According to the model validated by Extrapreneurs, let us make bridges between companies, regions, citizens and the authorities, starting off well-constructed collaborative projects. A regional project based on this in Walloon Brabant has already begun.

Communicate what works. Communication is key. Across the overarching noise and depression, there will emerge exciting dynamics of which citizens, companies and authorities can take part in.

Empower people and organisations towards new human and technological skills. This has to be based on the links between concrete projects bringing an added value that is direct and visible. Making links between associations, schools, local communities and Actiris, the Forem ou VDAB is essential. Professional training must be based on the motivation of every individual to flourish, on tangible perspectives of work where they can live our their passions. Also, multiply the spaces given to training, to increase the possibilities of starting. Implicate senior citizens, companies, and experts, and include online learning technology. Überise learning by bringing everyone together.

Include learning modules on ‘reconnection’ where everyone can take the time to connect with themselves and what really passions them, that will give them the energy to develop their talents in line with who they really are, and as anticipated by the rest of the world. A prerequisite. With this the individual will remain in a state of fear and dependence. Let us make no illusions, they will remain the majority – but let us construct tomorrow will profiles that are both ‘connected’ and have inner coherence. Too many people stay in their comfort zone, and so are unmotivated and inefficient. Awaken the true passions of everyone, their talents and thus motivation, which is a key towards creativity, engagement and productivity. Everyone will become entrepreneur of their own lives. A major reboot.

Co-construct the solutions and businesses of tomorrow, through entrepreneurial coalitions. Move onwards then, with discernment, to technological, creative, financial ressources and corporate coalitions to start, refine and deploy new ‘multisolutions’. Everyone pursuing their own excellence.

Ally yourselves with other regions. Once on route, be an example to other countries and regions. Let us export this new dynamic of progress. Belgium is very much expected to bring forth a new economic philosophy, which brings together humanity, sustainability and an increase in common progress. A philosophy that everyone can agree with… And therefore our current region will become attractive and many will come over to contribute to its development.

*Collective www.clubofbrussels.org: Diallo A., Legrelle A., Foucart A., de Bellefroid B., Legrand J.M., Pitsaer B., Vanden Bussche B., Bainzsyk C., Marchal C., Lodewyckx D., de Duve D., Lejeune X., Blake F., Convent F., Tablot G. Thil J.P., Fransen J. Massoels J. Verhulst J., Dufrane L., Dominicy M., de Kemmeter M., Pasture M., Soupart N., Dambly, P. Chaudoir P., Goossens R., Heymans S., Dehut I.

Éveiller des vocations pour construire demain

Publié dans l’Echo le 18 Octobre 2019
Read the English version

Le Club of Brussels* démarre sa saison 2 sur un sujet clé pour tous: préparer aux métiers de demain.

Par le Club of Brussels, un groupe de réflexion sur la transition économique

Une trentaine d’experts se sont réunis dans les bureaux d’Agoria pour trouver des alternatives pour reconnecter la population à ses vocations, à l’envie d’apprendre des métiers attendus par la société de demain – face aux enjeux multiples qui se promettent décoiffants.

L’état des lieux nous met en échec et mat: avec les éléments dont nous disposons, il nous manquera 600.000 personnes en Belgique d’ici 2030 pour faire tourner notre économie. Même si nous arrivons à “mettre à jour” les compétences de 4,6 millions de personnes, la Belgique perdra 95 milliards d’euros de PIB par an d’ici 2030, et de façon croissante d’ici là. Nous perdrons donc environ 540 milliards, alors qu’il nous en faudra autant pour financer pensions, sécu et 25 autres enjeux historiques qui vont venir converger d’ici là.

Ces enjeux sont doublés du fait que de nombreux jeunes sont en décalage par rapport aux jobs proposés, et que nombreux génération X et Y sont exsangues et incapables de rebondir sur les métiers technologiques – alors qu’ils devront encore “tirer” 15 à 20 ans…

Stratégie progressive proposée

Se préparer à l’avenir en informant le grand public sur les divers enjeux qui se profilent, et apprendre comment fonctionner de façon plus “systémique”. Par publications média, ainsi que conférences et articles, expliquer simplement les enjeux et opportunités cachées dessous. Avoir un message pragmatique mais optimiste – opportuniste et rassurant, doublé d’un appel à la mobilisation de ressources et talents autour de projets concrets, car on ne fera plus rien seul. Information et formations autour des nouvelles façons de fonctionner qui marchent (systémiques, collaboratives, multisolutions) avec témoignages et exemples.

Tester les idées sur le terrain sans attendre, avec les pionniers ainsi que les entreprises visionnaires. Selon le modèle validé d’extrapreneurs, jetant des ponts entre les entreprises, les territoires, les citoyens et les pouvoirs publics, démarrer des projets collaboratifs bien construits et maillés. Un projet territorial pilote démarre dans le Brabant wallon dans ce sens.

Communiquer sur ce qui marche. La communication est la clé. À travers le bruit et la dépression ambiante, sortir du lot avec des dynamiques excitantes dans lesquelles citoyens, entreprises et pouvoirs publics peuvent participer.

“La formation professionnelle doit être basée sur la motivation de chacun de s’épanouir.”

Club of Brussels

Mise en puissance des personnes et organisations sur de nouvelles compétences humaines et technologiques. Cela devrait être basé sur des liens avec des projets concrets apportant une plus-value directe, visible. Faire des liens entre des associations, des écoles, des communautés locales et Actiris, le Forem ou VDAB est essentiel. La formation professionnelle doit être basée sur la motivation de chacun de s’épanouir, sur des perspectives tangibles de jobs où ils pourront vivre leurs passions. Aussi, démultiplions les espaces de formation, pour décupler les possibilités de s’initier. Impliquer séniors, entreprises, experts, en incluant les technologies d’apprentissage en ligne. Überisons la formation en se mobilisant tous.

Inclure des modules de “reconnexion” où chacun pourra prendre le temps de se connecter avec ce qui le passionne vraiment, ce qui procurera l’énergie de développement de talents cohérents avec qui ils sont et avec ce qui a réellement du sens, et est attendu par le monde. Un prérequis. Sans cela, l’individu restera dans une posture de peur et de dépendance. Ne nous faisons pas trop d’illusions, cela restera la majorité – mais construire demain ne se fera qu’avec des profils “connectés” et cohérents. Trop de gens sont “à côté de leur axe”, et sont donc démotivés et inefficaces. Réveiller les vraies passions de chacun, ses talents et donc sa motivation, est une clé vers la créativité, l’engagement et la productivité. Chacun deviendra entrepreneur de sa propre vie. Un méga reboot.

Co-construire les solutions et business de demain, en coalitions entrepreneuriales. Allions ensuite, avec discernement, des ressources technologiques, créatives, financières, coalitions d’entreprises, pour démarrer, affiner, et déployer de nouvelles “multisolutions”. Chacun dans son excellence.

S’allier avec d’autres territoires. Une fois en route, servons d’exemple à d’autres pays et territoires. Exportons cette nouvelle dynamique de progrès. La Belgique est totalement attendue sur une nouvelle philosophie de l’économie, alliant humain, durabilité, croissance de progrès commun. Une philosophie qui mettrait tout le monde d’accord… Du coup, notre territoire deviendra attirant et de nombreuses personnes viendront contribuer à son développement.

*Collectif www.clubofbrussels.org: Diallo A., Legrelle A., Foucart A., de Bellefroid B., Legrand J.M., Pitsaer B., Vanden Bussche B., Bainzsyk C., Marchal C., Lodewyckx D., de Duve D., Lejeune X., Blake F., Convent F., Tablot G. Thil J.P., Fransen J. Massoels J. Verhulst J., Dufrane L., Dominicy M., de Kemmeter M., Pasture M., Soupart N., Dambly, P. Chaudoir P., Goossens R., Heymans S., Dehut I.

(English) ADM – Time to rethink our economy

Source : ADM Financial Casting

Fasten your seatbelt: the itinerary Michel de Kemmeter is drawing for the economy for the next ten years, is anything but a quiet walk on a Sunday afternoon.

De Kemmeter is associate professor in Economics (VUB Vesalius College), Founder and CEO of Wise Holding which catalyses economic transition for people, companies and governments, bringing methodologies and education on ‘what works’, to create tomorrow’s jobs and businesses with global tribes. This expert in economic transition is also Founding Member of the think tank Club of Brussels. Together with other experts in the economic field, he identified 26 challenges (see https://clubofbrussels.org) that our country will have to solve within the coming decade. Interviewed by TIP-IM on his perception of the future of Interim Managers, Michel lists some evolutions which have a direct impact on this growing sector, as well as the key assets of the Interim Managers the companies which will be hiring them will benefit the most from.

Self-empowerment 

According to Michel, there is no doubt the future will be more a question of project based work, with allocated and result-driven teams. These teams will increasingly be led by independent project leaders. These managers ad interim will face the additional challenge of creating a cohesion with the team they will be handling, knowing they will only be leading them for a limited period. 

The good news is this evolution will benefit to a greater extent of higher profiles whom currently feel the need to find an answer to questions like “who am I” and “what is my added value”; answers they can no longer get in traditional employer-employee relations.  They will also play a fundamental role in giving their team members a new sense in the work they do through specific projects.  

“As Interim managers, to carry out a project successfully, they will need to be fully dedicated. To pulse the project, to feel it. Achieving this successfully, will give them a strong feeling of self-empowerment. And self-empowerment will become increasingly important in the future of our economy.”  

License to speak up

In most situations, as Michel believes, the challenge for Interim Managers will be immense. In front of them, the Board of Directors will probably be awaiting a tangible and rapid return on investment. However, whereas their mission will be on the short term, their vision will have to extend to a longer term. “The first challenge will be for the temporarily involved managers to get a real license to speak up. To clearly state what’s not working and needs to change”. For people, organisation and strategy”.

Coaching the Board

In a fast moving, digitalised economy, many board directors and company owners risk to get lost. In front of them, the hired “special forces” will need to adopt a frank but constructive, coaching attitude. “They will have to reinsure and awake all at the same time.” 

For Michel, the next decade will provoke a lot of shocks amongst boards and employees. “There will be no place for any form of vanity anymore.” Senior people within companies who have been working in the same place for 15, 20 years lack both hard and soft skills. A substantial part of this layer of the working population will have to build a second career as independent consultants or managers. Time has come to act humble, go for a profound introspection and get new training where needed. 

New management models

Yes, new management models will arise, strengthened by a collective form of intelligence. 

What alarms de Kemmeter, are the very few initiatives taken in our universities and high schools so far to prepare the next generation for the big change. “The economic transition around the world will be very systemic, new societal models will arise in order to achieve economic, environmental and human sustainability. We urgently need to bring change-makers, experts, entrepreneurs and young leaders together to cooperate and exchange strategies, giving them the skills to bring the Systemic Economy to companies, universities, organizations and society as a whole”. The next generation entrepreneurs and product-services still have to emerge…”. We are in front of the biggest shifts in history – but very badly prepared.

Intergenerational cooperation 

A key factor will be the aptitude to bring different generations closer. “People with decades of work experience can play a key role in helping younger workers to contextualise each situation, whereas the young digital natives, interconnected by design, will play a very useful part in helping the “older” generation entering the digitalized world”. 

10 assets of the Interim Manager of the future

To conclude, Michel draws the portrait of the successful Interim Manager of the future, high profiles who will really make the difference for organizations which will hire them, through their ability to: 

  • create an inclusive work environment with a personal sense of leadership, discernment and persuasion force, as well as communication skills. 
  • involve internal and external stakeholders to the organization
  • create business models which offer economic and human resilience
  • rapidly map risks and opportunities within an organization’s system 
  • motivate talents within the organization through challenging projects
  • make diversity work effectively
  • create a stronger coherence between talents and projects
  • deliver smart work through their technological skills
  • create working spaces focusing on the people and their projects, in a collaborative way
  • serve common progress while tackling the issues 

If you want to follow us and initiate to the next decade and its keys, please connect on www.extrapreneurs.org and www.clubofbrussels.org.