The role and place of people in a rapidly digitizing business world is the subject of much debate. Certain beliefs tend to dissociate human from business, and even attribute responsibility for problems encountered in achieving certain results to human factors. I believe, however, that the issue is far more complex and needs to be examined from a multitude of angles. This observation won’t give us a precise answer, but rather a shape, a silhouette or a shape. Something that allows us to grasp a little better what seems to be happening and why. Because, in my opinion, there is no precise answer when it comes to humans. All revolutions in the business world are, at their core, human revolutions, and I believe that any company that responds to the needs of the market (and therefore, ultimately, of human beings) must also do so with respect for people.
But what does it mean to put human factors first? The answer can take many directions, but if we look at the question from a certain altitude, we notice that many organizational problems have their source in the collision between human elements. First, there are our beliefs and mental models, which influence our perceptions and judgments. Then there are our human blind spots, fears and weaknesses, which influence the way we behave and communicate. Modern organizations should help their employees to understand these things and evolve individually to better grasp the shapes, silhouettes and shapes generated by everyday work situations. Modern organizations need to put in place the means to enable their employees to better understand that:
- Every situation needs to be assessed from as many perspectives as possible;
- Our perception of a situation is greatly influenced by the way we view life;
- Our outlook on life is different, depending on where we come from;
- Very few things are black and white, true or false.
This kind of organization promotes the personal development of its members and accepts the principle that, above all, it exists because humans exist, and those who make it work are also human. Putting human factors first in an organization means recognizing the importance of people in its success. It means creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered and supported in their personal and professional development. It also means accepting that human beings are complex, with different beliefs, values and mental models, but that these differences can be a source of wealth for the organization if well managed.