Commercial Operating Model
Operating Model as a Source of Competitive Advantage
Businesses today face unprecedented challenges: global competition is intensifying, technology is rapidly evolving, customer demands are shifting, regulations are tightening, and economic and political volatility is on the rise. To be successful in such an environment requires foresight, agility, and resilience. At the same time, many organizations are grappling with internal obstacles that make it difficult to adapt: legacy structures, bureaucratic processes, politicized cultures, or workforce disengagement are issues for many. This ultimately hampers growth and productivity. In light of these external demands and internal hurdles, operating models can serve as a competitive advantage by improving efficiency, effectivness, and engagement.
A Human-Centric Transformation from Within
Transforming an organization's or team's operating model is akin to changing a car's tires while still driving. To achieve success, it requires a well-coordinated effort that integrates both top-down and bottom-up strategies, as well as outside-in and inside-out perspectives. A successful transformation is about winning hearts and minds of people. Leaders need to articulate a compelling vision, foster an environment of psychological safety to voice ideas, and encourage employee engagement to drive change.
Adaptable and Robust Operating Models
In a world where change is the only constant, the choice of when and how to adapt becomes crucial. Organizations must put in place processes and systems to monitor the performance of their operating models. Based on a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and a strong customer focus, they need to have honest conversations about when it is time to change or when it is time to stay put. Organizations that find the right approach between adaptability and robustness are more likely to achieve long-term success.
Working with atomiq
We support teams in designing and implementing operating models that are agile and robust, human-centric and data-driven. We activate teams around new ways of working and help enable long-term success.
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WHAT WE DO
Developing Operating Models
Elements of an Operating Model
An operating model defines how an organization functions to fulfill its mission and purpose, such as providing exceptional value to customers and standing out from the competition. Operating models comprise several elements that symbiotically work together: capabilities (i.e., the necessary skills and competencies), structures (i.e., organizational setup, roles, and responsibilities), processes (i.e., core and supporting workflows that generate value), systems and tools (i.e., both digital and non-digital resources that enhance outcomes), governance (i.e., decision-making authority and flows), and culture (i.e., a shared mindset and set of values) that need to work in symbiosis to generate value.
Designing Operating Models
At atomiq, we specialize in creating commercial operating models that are agile and robust, human-centric and data-driven, meeting both current demands and those of the future. We start by understanding an organization's strategic vision and aligning it with the ever-evolving external landscape. We analyze market dynamics, customer expectations, and competitive pressures. Internally, we perform assessments of existing capabilities, culture, and processes. By integrating these insights with long-term objectives, we pinpoint strengths and areas for growth. We employ both top-down and bottom-up approaches to ensure we bring the entire organization with us from the outset. Additionally, our integrative and holistic approach ensures that every component—from structure and governance to culture and technology—operates cohesively to deliver lasting impact.
WHAT WE DO
Operating Model Implementation & Activiation
Changing the Way of Working
At atomiq, we ensure organizations move beyond simply outlining governance structures or revised processes on paper. We help bring these elements to life by supporting with implementation and activation. We prioritize clear communication of the vision and expectations, equipping leaders with the skills to inspire and manage change while empowering teams to take ownership. We provide training to enable teams and collaborate with leaders to ensure follow-through.
Implementing the Building Blocks
For new systems, this may involve defining technical requirements, sourcing and implementing software, and managing the associated change. For cultural shifts, we support through change communication, leadership development, and team workshops—equipping organizations to sustain a transformation in an effective and engaging manner. For structural changes, we help organizations manage communication cascades and coach managers on leading the change. Throughout all of this, the atomiq approach is marked by our goal to facilitate real, lasting transformation and impact.
WHAT WE DO
Enabling Long-Term Success
Sustaining a Best-in-Class Operating Model
The journey doesn’t end with implementation and activation. As the external and internal environment continuously evolves, organizations must decide when to adapt or when not to. We work with teams to help establish processes that facilitate ongoing monitoring, foster a reflective culture that enables constructive discussions, and build governance structures for decisions to be taken.
Implementing and Driving Change
When organizations decide to change, we help ensure these are implemented effectively. We help establish a portfolio of change initiatives and set up a governance structure that defines and monitors execution. We can support organizations to apply agile and sprint-based methods to implement change requests quickly and efficiently.
