Last week, Eric Stryson addressed undergraduate classes in Human Resource Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, introducing them to GIFT’s approach to Leadership Development and highlighting the different approaches to HR taken by large and small enterprises respectively.

Stryson was invited to speak to students on the topic of human resources and the unique challenges facing small, fast-growing enterprises. Veering away from more traditional approaches to HR such as looking at ways for categorizing skill sets and measuring performance, the group’s discussion centered on a few of the key developmental areas addressed through the Global Young Leaders Programme (YLP) – specifically those of broadening one’s knowledge of the world, improving multi-cultural sensitivities and communication and cultivating greater empathy.

Against the backdrop of real-world social enterprises which have been created through past YLP’s, Stryson helped students gain an appreciation of what is required to successfully grow entrepreneurial ventures into viable small businesses. The skills gained through the immersion learning programme – such as knowledge, communication and empathy – are relevant in both large organizations and in small enterprises.

One of the differences, as students learned through their questions and discussion is the sharp cultural contrast between large and small organizations. Driving small companies requires flexibility, thinking across multiple functions in the company and a willingness to put in extended hours and effort when required. Large organizations have their own challenges but often breed a very different type of employee and manager, and too often create situations where individuals make decisions in isolation or without a nuanced understanding of other areas of the business.

Many of the students were quite engaged in the concept of a social enterprise and considered for the first time a whole new set of possibilities for their upcoming careers. GIFT is delighted at the opportunity to stimulate new fresh thinking within young people as they prepare to create the future ahead of them.