At Paradigm, we see ourselves as more than just a collection of consultants; we are a family. Not in the overused, corporate sense of expecting more without giving back, but in the genuine way families support, grow, and evolve together. Like any family, we are planning for the next generation—those who will continue to build Paradigm’s legacy. We care deeply about equipping each other to thrive, not only within the organization but also as responsible, contributing members of the communities we call home. Our workforce planning efforts embody these values, recognizing that, like families, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and perfection is an ongoing pursuit.
It’s About the Planning!
Let’s start at the beginning. This is a story whose conclusion hasn’t yet been written—it might look entirely different from what we imagine today. Consider the predictions of the 80s and 90s, when flying cars seemed inevitable by the 2000s. While those didn’t materialize, we’ve achieved remarkable technological advancements that few could have predicted (like the smartphones in our pockets).
The same applies to workforce planning. Each year, organizations envision what their workforce could and should be, guided by a specific theme or approach to achieve their goals. Questions naturally arise: Who will build the plan, and why? What do they know, and who will execute it?
We at Paradigm aren’t immune to these questions, but we approach them with a distinct perspective: inclusion.
Starting with Inclusion
Our first step is critical: Who do we include in the planning process? For us, the answer is as many people as possible—leaders, future leaders, and everyone in between. We value the diverse insights from every corner of our organization, recognizing the importance of each voice in shaping our workforce strategy.
This inclusive approach ensures that we capture perspectives across all stages of workforce planning—planning, execution, and reporting. It also strengthens our interdisciplinary teams, aligning them to shared goals: retaining top talent, fostering employee engagement, and creating meaningful connections with our consultants.
The Human-Centric Future of Work Framework
Our Human-Centric Future of Work framework is built around key principles that drive sustainable success for both employees and clients:
- Employee Performance: Empowering individuals through clear expectations, impactful feedback, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
- Retention Through Connection: Creating lasting relationships by focusing on trust, communication, and shared purpose throughout the consultant lifecycle.
- A Culture of Learning: Emphasizing continuous skill development to adapt to emerging trends and technologies, ensuring both personal and organizational growth.
To ensure this framework resonates across the organization, we conducted a Listening Tour. During this initiative, we shared the framework with leadership and employees alike, inviting feedback from those who shape our organization daily. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with widespread agreement on its relevance and potential impact. Employees appreciated that this framework not only recognizes the importance of technical expertise but also places equal value on soft skills—like communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—that are critical to success in today’s workplace.
Soft Skills and T-Skills: The Dynamic Duo
Our workforce planning strategy recognizes that thriving in the future of work requires a combination of T-shaped skills and strong soft skills:
- T-Shaped Skills: These professionals possess a broad understanding of various areas, supplemented by deep expertise in specific domains like Artificial Intelligence and Change Management. This versatility ensures employees can collaborate effectively while delivering specialized value.
- Soft Skills: Equally essential, soft skills enable individuals to communicate effectively, navigate complex relationships, and adapt to changing circumstances. These skills are the backbone of team cohesion, client satisfaction, and professional growth.
By focusing on both, we’re building a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also empathetic, adaptable, and well-equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving environment. This balanced approach aligns seamlessly with our Flywheel implementation strategy, ensuring that our consultants can drive outcomes that matter for both Paradigm and our clients.
The Age-Old Questions
Our approach is pragmatic yet innovative, addressing two central questions:
- What do employees need to feel valued and fulfilled?
- What do clients need to retain and expand our business relationships?
To answer these, we must be:
- Curious: Actively inquire about the needs of clients and consultants.
- Connected: Prioritize one-on-one interactions to enhance Consultant Care.
- Interested: Implement practical solutions that help consultants succeed.
Measuring Success
Like a time capsule, our plans are designed to be revisited and assessed—not in decades but incrementally over time. This allows us to adapt and refine our strategies to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and business community.
At Paradigm, we approach workforce planning as a family would: with care, collaboration, and a long-term vision for the future. Just as families nurture and prepare their members for what lies ahead, we are invested in the growth and success of our consultants and clients alike. We’re not striving for perfection—we know that no family or organization is without its challenges—but we are striving for progress, resilience, and connection.
Our ultimate goal is clear: to create a thriving environment where our consultants feel valued, our clients are supported, and our shared vision for the future is realized. When we succeed in this, Paradigm’s unmatchable offer will continue to set us apart—a legacy that the next generation of Paradigmers can proudly carry forward.
Like opening a time capsule, this is a future worth looking forward to—a future built on the strength of our collective efforts as a family of consultants, working together to create something truly remarkable.