Open up Digitals

James Robertson (Sydney) is a keynote speaker, author of three best selling intranet books, and a global expert on intranet strategy and design. He is founder and director of Step Two Designs, a consultancy firm based in Sydney, Australia. In this role, James has helped organizations to develop intranet strategies, both within Australia and internationally.
"In this day and age, resilience is needed. Zoom fatigue exists and we miss the micro-interactions at the coffee machine and in the elevator. We do what it takes to be productive and tools can help. But they have to be purpose-driven and tailored to the needs of employees. The danger now is that we put technology back at the forefront, and we have to be vigilant about that."
"The digital environments we offer are often too complex. You notice by walking along with your employees for a few days. You'll soon get to know the users of your platform and identify a few things you can tackle right away. But beware: you can't solve everything. Start small, do the right small thing. Tackle something that really helps your employees and take it from there."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.

Jan Tjerk Boonstra (Utrecht) has been a recognized HR thought leader for years. He is Principal Consultant at Human Capital Group and editor in chief of the magazine HR Strategy. Jan Tjerk talks about the future of our workplace. Will we continue to work from home, will we even apply for jobs in cities far outside our hometown? And can COVID negate our HR strategies? Listen to what Jan Tjerk says about this.
"HR is fairly conservative and stubborn, somewhat inward-looking. To keep up with the changes now, you have to work more network-like and invite others. Learn from the experiences of others and especially from what is not going well. Also ask your employees: What do you need to be able to do your job well? Actually, we don't do that, we focus more on technological solutions, for example."
"A completely different kind of leadership. For the 40,000 employees in HR in the Netherlands, the empowerment of employees should come first. This approach differs per person, we are talking about customization. Many managers do a lot of other things and are constantly in meetings. But if you can ensure that 30 employees experience autonomy and growth and feel a connection with the organization and customers, and can therefore allow 30 people to flourish... Then you're doing great. Then it will be a completely different kind of leadership."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.

Daniel Pink (Washington DC) was called the 6th most influential management thinker in the world in 2019. Daniel is a recognized expert on motivation, timing, and business zeitgeist, has hosted a National Geographic television series on social sciences, served as chief speechwriter for U.S. Vice President Al Gore, and is the author of 6 best selling books that have sold more than 3 million copies.
"Empathy in the workplace is now more important than ever. Few leaders manage to motivate their employees remotely: keep giving feedback, informally and on a frequent basis. We've been talking for years about how we work and where we do it. Since Corona, all sorts of things have suddenly become possible. Now more important than ever is the human touch. Taking care of each other and focusing on empathy. My advice for leaders? Give employees autonomy and the feeling that their work matters. Do that by constantly giving them feedback."
"When do employees perform optimally? Timing is another important aspect. Keep an eye on what moments of the day your employees perform optimally. Take an example of teachers or crèche leaders, they know very well how to take the rhythm of children into account. The best leaders stand behind their team."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.

Dion Hinchcliffe (Washington DC) is an internationally recognized thought leader, IT expert, enterprise architect, best selling book author, frequent keynote speaker, analyst, and transformation consultant. He is VP and principal analyst at Constellation Research (Monte Vista, California). In Open up Digitals, Dion speaks about the essence of digital collaboration.
"No more defined outcomes – The work environment is different, the tools have been adapted... now we have to help employees with the changes. Planned change has a definite outcome. But it is precisely the unexpected that can lead to beautiful innovations. As long as you are open to continue learning and facilitate this for your employees as a leader. With the focus on that it's a marathon, not a sprint."
"Expect unexpected consequences and use them to your advantage – People are most important in your digital organization. Provide Working Out Loud, let employees share what they are doing in open environments so that others can join in. And keep wondering if it's meaningful work, what we're doing together."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.

Cyril Coste (London) is a French digital expert. Cyril is #1 on the list of 'Most Influential Independent Digital Transformation Experts' and is being named in the 'Global Top 100 Digital Transformation Influencers.' He has been working as Digital Transformation Director for DTX Advisory since 2018 and helps clients achieve business goals through digitization.
"I focus on what I can automate, then there is time for my employees to add value. Know how your organization works and make sure you have an internal KPI. Always keep an eye on it: does it contribute to customer service?"
"Digital transformation allows you to better understand and serve your customers. AI and machine learning can support you in making your processes more efficient. And how can you better organize things from the inside out? Give your employees the right tools. Then ask yourself whether you have enough data available and how you can analyze it. This does not have to be a major investment, but you do need commitment."
Open up Digitals is a Fellow Digitals production.