OD TALKS #1

today with Catharina Hoyer, expert in trend and future research. 

Schleif: Why should organizational development and futurology go hand in hand?

Hoyer: Anyone who engages with the future gets ideas about the future and can then actively decide: Do I want to develop in this direction? Futurology shows what is changing and what needs are emerging. But insight alone does not change anything. Responding to it, adapting structures, and truly transforming organizations: that is organizational development.

Schleif: What trends do you see in the area of organizational structure in the coming years?

Hoyer: Network organizations.

From a trend perspective, we see that people (especially young people) are looking for more personal responsibility and flexibility. They want to choose their own mentors. Structures are created around topics - not titles.

Schleif: Many organizations know intellectually that they need to transform but act in line with short-term quarterly goals. Where is the actual blocking mechanism?

Hoyer: Ambidexterity. Being ambidextrous - serving today while building tomorrow. Future issues get lost in everyday life because today's sales are always louder than the strategy for the day after tomorrow. What is needed: insight from above. Genuine commitment. Not just a kickoff event.

Schleif: You see things coming before others want to see them. How does it affect you when you know they won't turn things around in time?

Hoyer: I try to start small. Trends are cycles, if you miss one, you get another chance, but you pay a price. What really concerns me is that many organizations aren't ignorant. They're afraid. Afraid to actively shape the future. They'd rather remain reactive than relinquish control. That's the real obstacle.

I am very proud that Catharina Hoyer is part of my network!

In OD Talks, as a freelance organizational development consultant, I talk to exciting personalities from the business world to make the topic of organizational development more tangible.