In this week’s Business Unusual podcast, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, sits down with Stephen van Coller to discuss a wide range of topics, from the way COVID-19 has increased cohesion in the workplace to why surrounding yourself with individuals different from you is so important.

Stephen discusses the idea of exponential organisations and how they should be thought of as a different way of thinking; how when we learn to think differently, suddenly we begin to see new possibilities and not problems. He discusses the way that, despite being in completely unchartered territories during this time, EOH has seen massive productivity increases, having achieved in three months this year what they had in six months last year. Stephen attributes this to the fact that people are now working more cohesively, knowing exactly what they need to achieve and the overall atmosphere being more intense and steadfast.

Ralf and Stephen dive into the notion of diverse thinking and how although it’s somewhat new, it’s become an absolute priority – we need to find new ways of doing things and understanding them. Stephen talks about the importance of striving for a diverse and inclusive team who ask questions and push boundaries, noting that it’s often through being challenged head-on that we achieve our greatest success.

Key takeaways to watch out for in this podcast

  • Being prepared in crisis situations is vital. If we don’t know what to expect, we don’t wait to see the scale of what’s coming. Rather, we put our best foot forward from the start in anticipation.
  • It’s no good being reactive – then it’s too late. We need to be proactive.
  • Being nimble and quick-thinking are qualities that are imperative within companies.
  • The best way in difficult times is not to tell, but rather ask. Get input and feedback from others.
  • Exponential thinking should be thought of as a new way of dealing with the fast changing future that creates new opportunities.
  • Sometimes we achieve our best success after being challenged by others.
  • Until we work in diverse teams and surround ourselves with people who are fundamentally different to us, we won’t take in the full spectrum of what is happening around us.
  • When people know you’re listening to them, they’re prepared to give you more information.

This article and podcast first appeared on topco.co.za.