For an excellent précis what our working future will look like, take a look at the
"23 Theses" about the future of work over on the Future of Work Blog.
By and large, the predictions look about right – notably the breakdown of bonds between individuals and organisations, the rise of short-term, project-focussed teams, the demise of the office-based 9-5 job and increased importance of multi-tasking. All of which bodes well for self-motivated knowledge workers and less well for organisations that remain wedded to the 'old way' of doing things.
But we would certainly argue that several of the other trends Jim Ware cites are already well under way:
The revelations of corporate greed and failed governance that came to light in 2002 are leading to a decrease in workers' respect for business leaders. The "cult of the CEO," which characterized the late 1990's, will quickly wane. That view will be replaced by a new category that emphasizes a small-unit leader, a person whose major competency is the ability to build teams.
....The social context of the relationship between workers and employers will shift from a livelihood basis to one that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for the individual.
....People will be attracted to organizations based largely on the company's brand. The lack of a strong brand identity will make it difficult to attract and retain talent. A negative brand perception will actually repel talent.
