Nowadays it can feel like industries are constantly evolving, with trends and patterns coming and going before we get a chance to learn and adapt our organizations to the new normal. At a time where knowledge is shareable at the click of a button, it’s become not just a strategy but a responsibility to keep up with trends and how our businesses are affected by them. The key to avoid being overwhelmed by the overload of information is to identify which trends have the highest chance of becoming sustainable patterns that will be adopted long-term by other organizations. This way, we know which trends are worth watching and adapting our workflows to.
We did the research and reviewed trends in consulting that are most likely to evolve into long-lasting patterns so that you can keep up without having to sift through piles of information. Read on to see our top consulting trends for 2022 and how your organization can adapt to stay fit and updated.
Staying safe through organization-wide digitization
This may sound like an obvious one, but across different industries, it has become not a question of if, but a question of when. Especially in a post-2020 world where teams are becoming increasingly remote or hybrid, large-scale digitization has quickly become the new normal. As of 2021, 90% of companies use some type of cloud service, with 60% using cloud technology to store confidential data.
With this global cultural shift, there can be learning curves and security gaps when it comes to organization-wide digital transformation. Studies have shown that the majority of data breaches and cyberattacks are caused by human error. With the cost of a single data breach averaging to $3.85 million, it’s critical to stay proactive of your organization’s cybersecurity by training and updating your teams on how to identify and report phishing and malware attacks.
Transforming data into a scalable, self-serve product with data mesh
As organizations increasingly rely on digital solutions and data-based insights in all operations, from marketing to admin, there is a growing need for a new type of data architecture that facilitates usability across different teams and expertise levels. First conceptualized by operational consultant Zhamak Deghani, data mesh is a new type of architecture of organizing around domains with a focus on data as a product.
This is a critical step to democratizing data across organizational teams and levels while still maneuvering the framework of security, as different teams will now have a single source of truth for data-driven insights with a self-serve component for accessibility. Data mesh as architecture and operating model will also facilitate easier cross-domain collaboration by taking out the overhead when it comes to sifting through data lakes, while still maintaining security and ownership across different teams and expertise.
Industries are moving toward specialization, but that doesn’t mean generalists are out!
Recent studies are showing that the average company in the US will lose 23% to a third of their customers each year because of low client loyalty. This is due to many factors, especially in the wake of a post-lockdown world where consumers are (rightfully!) more focused on sustainability and affordability in their purchasing and brand decisions. Many organizations and consultants turn to specialization as answer to client retention, and for the most part, if makes logical sense. Most consumers value expertise and reliability above other factors when looking for partnerships or making purchases, so having specialized knowledge is a critical asset in competitive markets. However, this does not mean that generalist knowledge and skills are on their way out. In fact, as organizations continue toward decentralize, data-driven operational models, the interest in one-stop-shops for partnerships is increasing. While expertise and high-quality knowledge and experience will always be gold standards in any industries, clients are also looking for ways to solidify their vendor sheet with reliable partners that have broad knowledge and capabilities.
If your organization prides itself on having a breadth of knowledge and expertise in a world where it seems that specialization is the only way, don’t fret! Instead of moving toward specialization, keep in mind that generalist knowledge is still valuable in an environment where clients are looking to bridge siloed areas of expertise. Continue to train your team to build competitive knowledge and experience while differentiating your company as a universally capable partner who can cater to your clients’ needs without having to subcontract or turn them out for the potential gaps they may encounter if they relied on specialists.
About CSS ProSearch
CSS ProSearch is a sales recruiting firm that places top sales and marketing talent for growing businesses in the healthcare, technology, and consulting verticals.
Our sales recruiters take a consultative approach to recruiting, acting as a true partner in the success of both our clients and our talent. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team combines best-in-class recruiting practices, technology, research, and innovative approaches to deliver exceptional service with every engagement. Learn more here.