^The APQC Blog

What are the best knowledge management tools to thrive during COVID-19? Collaboration platforms are the best-fit tools for our new normal of virtual work and fast-changing business needs.

As one-third of 2020 is behind us, what’s next for supply chains? What are the keys to maintaining best practices in supply chains after a crisis?

Since we last chatted, we have all gone through many personal process crises to establish normalcy. One recent incident got me thinking about how organizations are also working their way through urgent technology adoption and process re-engineering.

A surveyor's mark cut in a wall, pillar, or building and used as a reference point in measuring altitudes. A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed. 

It has been said that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. While COVID-19 is undeniably a moment of crisis for many organizations, the good news is that the finance function can leverage a range of lessons learned from past crises like the 2008 recession.

As employees adjust to the “new normal” of more virtual work, many organizations are struggling to keep information flowing and replicate the teamwork that usually occurs in the office. Employees can collaborate without being together, but it doesn’t happen as naturally.

COVID-19 has led to an explosion of virtual happy hours, coffee bars, and other digital events as organizations look for ways to boost morale and keep spirits high during an uncertain time.

“Just because social distancing is in place, doesn’t mean that managers should be out of touch with their people,” wrote engagement expert Lisa Ryan in a recent LinkedIn post.

In the last couple of weeks, the on-going theme I hear from APQC’s members, clients, and staff is “we are just trying to get back to normal”. While I don’t think anyone is feeling normal yet, I am seeing how quickly we are embracing the “new normal” that has been thrust upon us.

We find ourselves in an unprecedented time today as a result of the virus and associated economic disruption, an environment of many challenges but also potential opportunities for organizations’ finance functions.