Dynamic leaders should not see the present slowdown as a problem but they need to see this as an opportunity to harness full potential of the organizations

Dr. Andreas Kelling, Director, IBR Institute of International Business Relations, Berlin, Germany, said that it is time for competent executives to become entrepreneurs and to become a successful entrepreneur. He emphasised the need entrepreneurs to communicate well across cultures and convince people in order to exploit business opportunities not only locally but also on a global scale.

Speaking at a seminar organised by IBR Institute of International Business Relations India along with the National Human Resource Department (NHRD), India to highlight the HR Management and Technology Initiatives in the light of opportunities in slowdown, he felt that dynamic leaders should not see the present slowdown as a problem but they need to see this as an opportunity to harness full potential of the organisations across industry sector. However, he cautioned about the implication of slowdown resulting in protectionism and restricting the capital flow.

He highlighted on the learning methodology stating that management students have to adjust to the mode of self learning. This in turn will enable them as executives and decision makers to enjoy exploring solutions and becoming competent to handle any business situation in all seasons - Up Cycle or Down Cycle.

Dr. Bernardus van Zijl, MBA Faculty Member of IBR, from South Africa highlighted a number of inspiring technology initiatives which are the major tools to beat the slowdown. He impressed the audience by letting them taste the future. People will less talk about globalization, but "Globality" which is about growing people, thinking big, acting fast and innovation with integrity. He sees the future work place being centralised through a digital approach - anywhere anytime and any place work mode.

The seminar was complemented by Mohit Kumar - AVP HR, Idea Cellular, Hyderabad, who focused on seeing the slowdown as an opportunity to enhance the skills of the competent people in the organisation to be ready for the Up Cycle.

B. Seetharamaiah, Director for Corporate Relations at IBR India supported him by saying that slow down was the time for leadership to realise that it is an opportunity to improve organisational efficiency, productivity, equipment and technology.