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Training for turbulence: the role of flexibility, agility and resilience in business schools
Business Schools, Executive Education
To say we’re facing a prolonged period of uncertainty and turbulence on a global scale is perhaps an understatement. Markets across the world are being hit by conflicts and political tensions, as well as public movements related to climate change and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). Turbulence is arguably the new normal – and it’s altering the demands being placed on business schools.
Flexibility, agility and resilience are the new ‘buzzwords’ in the corporate world, and learners are turning to schools to aid them on their journey to best adapt. In our latest blog post, we take a look at the drivers behind the trends that are changing business school programmes and how leaders can ensure they are best prepared to tackle the turbulence that many are predicting will last for some time.
Adapting to macro-economic nuances
As we touched on in an earlier blog, global conflicts and politically-charged business fluctuations are all having an impact on how and what schools are teaching. Professor Rebecca Henderson, the author of Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire, is one of the leading figures in the world of economics and business school teaching. Her insights and research make for profound reading, but the fact of the matter is this; the macro-economic climate is reshaping programmes and courses. And resilience is the keyword.
Today’s leaders have to be able to adapt, rather than react, to global market fluctuations and changing international regulations. That in turn alters the requirements of courses and programmes. As we highlighted recently, the rise of micro-credentials is just one way that we are seeing schools adapt to meet these changing needs. What will be key, though, is flexibility from schools themselves, as much as the programme content.
AI driving change
Of course, we can’t discuss the need for agility without touching on AI. Artificial Intelligence is having a profound impact in the education landscape, but for business schools, the effect is two-fold. Not only is it changing how courses are designed, but it’s also adapting the content itself.
Leaders require AI skills and businesses are looking for learning and development that supports this. While the course content must be aligned with the global corporate shift to embracing AI, learners want the reassurance that a school is not just teaching the subject, but also living it themselves.
Indeed, research from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) revealed that 78% of business schools have already integrated AI in some way in their curriculum. There is also an abundance of business schools revealing new AI-led programmes alongside staff training courses to ensure schools are fully prepared to adapt to the changing demands of learners in today’s AI-driven environment.
This is only going to intensify in the immediate future as AI becomes more embedded in our lives, from education to professional and personal elements.
Retained partnerships
Clearly there’s a need for flexibility, agility and resilience in business schools at all levels. However, managing and delivering this requires the right people and relationships. That’s where retained recruitment partnerships with experts will be truly impactful for business schools. Bringing in a partner on a sustained basis that is able to truly get to the heart of the school, its challenges and opportunities will be of increasing value in times of turbulence.
Crucially, having someone aligned with a school’s culture and future plans will be a necessity for schools looking to weather the storm both now and longer-term. The ability to adapt, not just react, extends beyond the business community, and into the school itself.
It’s vital to have a partner that can move with the evolving requirements of a business school’s alumni old and new. Critically, they need an expert that truly knows the trends in global business education in order to act as a strategic advisor – whether that’s in relation to new course trends or the hiring adaptations needed to thrive.
Working with Telfer Partners
That’s where the team at Telfer Partners can help. Our in-depth knowledge of the education industry allows us to tailor our recruitment approach to the sector’s unique nuances, ensuring that we find candidates with the right skill-set, expertise, and cultural fit for your organisation. Our clients trust Telfer Partners to deliver exceptional recruitment solutions that address their individual needs on a retained basis.
Rather than waiting for one-off needs, our clients rely on our global expertise and connections to help make truly informed decisions to drive business school operational and sales success.
Want to make sure your school stays ahead and builds an agile, flexible and resilient team? Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
