Advice and Information for Finance Professionals

According to Nucleus Research, migrating enterprise resource planning from on-premises applications to cloud solutions reduces risk and complexity, increases agility, and improves collaboration.

According to Nucleus Research, migrating enterprise resource planning from on-premises applications to cloud solutions reduces risk and complexity, increases agility, and improves collaboration.

The financial plight of healthcare providers amid the COVID-19 pandemic makes it more imperative than ever for HCPs to modernize their back-office systems.

The financial plight of healthcare providers amid the COVID-19 pandemic makes it more imperative than ever for HCPs to modernize their back-office systems.

Are you helping your team—or hindering them? Kimberly shares 7 ways to be a more inclusive leader.

Are you helping your team—or hindering them? Kimberly shares 7 ways to be a more inclusive leader.

From Larry Ellison to Lyft to a lyrical tune, the Oracle Cloud ERP Virtual Summit is a treat to watch.

From Larry Ellison to Lyft to a lyrical tune, the Oracle Cloud ERP Virtual Summit is a treat to watch.

As more and more enterprises migrate core technologies such as ERP to the cloud, a clear advantage has emerged: higher ROI that continues to accelerate.

As more and more enterprises migrate core technologies such as ERP to the cloud, a clear advantage has emerged: higher ROI that continues to accelerate.

If you’re an Oracle Cloud EPM customer, you have a birthday to celebrate today.

If you’re an Oracle Cloud EPM customer, you have a birthday to celebrate today.

The pandemic drove up demand for as-a-service business models, and the growth continues. Here’s how CFOs can pivot to take advantage of opportunity.

The pandemic drove up demand for as-a-service business models, and the growth continues. Here’s how CFOs can pivot to take advantage of opportunity.

At the Oracle Cloud ERP Virtual Summit, PwC shared their vision of CFOs using finance data to tell an organization’s story.

At the Oracle Cloud ERP Virtual Summit, PwC shared their vision of CFOs using finance data to tell an organization’s story.

Many of the UK’s healthcare providers depend on NEP for its finance and procurement solutions.

Many of the UK’s healthcare providers depend on NEP for its finance and procurement solutions.

People trust robots more than humans to manage money, based on a global survey of 9,000 consumers and business leaders.

People trust robots more than humans to manage money, based on a global survey of 9,000 consumers and business leaders.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, organizations equipped with cloud-based systems and advanced technology are poised for growth in a reformed landscape.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, organizations equipped with cloud-based systems and advanced technology are poised for growth in a reformed landscape.

In an interview by Jon Steinberg of Cheddar Inc., Oracle's Doug Kehring discusses business transformation and four keys to successful mergers and acquisitions.

In an interview by Jon Steinberg of Cheddar Inc., Oracle's Doug Kehring discusses business transformation and four keys to successful mergers and acquisitions.

New research from MIT Technology Review Insights shows businesses are already taking important steps to succeed post-COVID.

New research from MIT Technology Review Insights shows businesses are already taking important steps to succeed post-COVID.

Moffitt uses a central system to quickly consolidate capital funding requests and track projects from start to finish.

Moffitt uses a central system to quickly consolidate capital funding requests and track projects from start to finish.

Join business executives from GoPuff, Lyft, Square, Williams-Sonoma, PwC, and Oracle to learn strategies for propelling your business forward.

Join business executives from GoPuff, Lyft, Square, Williams-Sonoma, PwC, and Oracle to learn strategies for propelling your business forward.

Strategy and capabilities in Oracle Cloud EPM align well to customers’ needs.

Strategy and capabilities in Oracle Cloud EPM align well to customers’ needs.

Why were there no new products announced at "Rise with SAP"? Here are 3 questions to ask.

Why were there no new products announced at "Rise with SAP"? Here are 3 questions to ask.

COVID-19 has shown that business stability is an illusion. Business leaders need to embrace AI and dashboards to get an in-the-moment understanding of their enterprise.

COVID-19 has shown that business stability is an illusion. Business leaders need to embrace AI and dashboards to get an in-the-moment understanding of their enterprise.

We've been responding to a pandemic. It's time to start getting ready for what comes next using scenario planning.

We've been responding to a pandemic. It's time to start getting ready for what comes next using scenario planning.

Cloud applications proved essential for business survival in 2020. Here’s what to expect from digital transformation in 2021.

Cloud applications proved essential for business survival in 2020. Here’s what to expect from digital transformation in 2021.

Adventist Health shares how they underwent a data-first business transformation, delivering on their mission to serve the poor and vulnerable.

Adventist Health shares how they underwent a data-first business transformation, delivering on their mission to serve the poor and vulnerable.

Now is not the time to pull back on investments in innovation, M&A, productivity enhancements, or risk management.

Now is not the time to pull back on investments in innovation, M&A, productivity enhancements, or risk management.

This distinction recognizes Oracle as a customer's choice in cloud ERP for product-centric enterprises.

This distinction recognizes Oracle as a customer's choice in cloud ERP for product-centric enterprises.

There is an inherent responsibility on technology companies, like Oracle, to innovate and stay ahead of the change curve. It is also important for executives in other industries to understand what’s coming next and position their organizations to adopt and adapt.

There is an inherent responsibility on technology companies, like Oracle, to innovate and stay ahead of the change curve. It is also important for executives in other industries to understand...

Baylor University is driving its ambitious growth by leveraging the power and flexibility of Oracle Cloud for finance and HR.

Baylor University is driving its ambitious growth by leveraging the power and flexibility of Oracle Cloud for finance and HR.

We look back on the big story of 2020, along with other top stories of the year.

We look back on the big story of 2020, along with other top stories of the year.

In the final part of our “Rapid Recovery and Resilience” series, we look at how to reduce recovery costs and increase ROI.

In the final part of our “Rapid Recovery and Resilience” series, we look at how to reduce recovery costs and increase ROI.

For all the speed and efficiency that modern technology has brought to the financial function, the period close still entails painful manual processes. Here’s how to fix that.

For all the speed and efficiency that modern technology has brought to the financial function, the period close still entails painful manual processes. Here’s how to fix that.

An IBM senior partner explains a new offering and how it can help power new business models.

An IBM senior partner explains a new offering and how it can help power new business models.

In the 2nd part of our series on “Rapid Recovery and Resilience,” we look at the urgency of health and safety in the workplace.

In the 2nd part of our series on “Rapid Recovery and Resilience,” we look at the urgency of health and safety in the workplace.

Agile, effective scenario planning requires automated integration of multiple sources of data, something customized spreadsheets and planning point solutions can’t deliver.

Agile, effective scenario planning requires automated integration of multiple sources of data, something customized spreadsheets and planning point solutions can’t deliver.

We take a look at business continuity management in the first of our 3-part blog series, “Rapid Recovery and Resilience.”

We take a look at business continuity management in the first of our 3-part blog series, “Rapid Recovery and Resilience.”

A connected plan is the only way to get a true reflection of how different events could potentially impact your business.

A connected plan is the only way to get a true reflection of how different events could potentially impact your business.

Supply chain and IT executives share their experiences moving to integrated SCM cloud applications.

Supply chain and IT executives share their experiences moving to integrated SCM cloud applications.

The City of Atlanta successfully adopted both Oracle Cloud HCM and ERP, achieving cloud success—and the Dynamic Duo Rubies Award.

The City of Atlanta successfully adopted both Oracle Cloud HCM and ERP, achieving cloud success—and the Dynamic Duo Rubies Award.

Oracle partner Protiviti explains the advantages of a native risk management cloud application.

Oracle partner Protiviti explains the advantages of a native risk management cloud application.

When finance and operations teams share a common application suite and data infrastructure, scenario planning is faster and more effective.

When finance and operations teams share a common application suite and data infrastructure, scenario planning is faster and more effective.

Enterprise data management can help companies struggling with accurate, timely financial reporting by making it faster and easier to update your systems.

Enterprise data management can help companies struggling with accurate, timely financial reporting by making it faster and easier to update your systems.

If you’re comparing ERP and HCM cloud providers, here are five things you should consider.

If you’re comparing ERP and HCM cloud providers, here are five things you should consider.

Precision Group, Dubai-based manufacturer, explains why they chose Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement to modernize their procurement.

Precision Group, Dubai-based manufacturer, explains why they chose Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement to modernize their procurement.

2020 has been marked by COVID-19 social and economic upheaval that has forced global organizations to rethink what work really means—and that could be a very good thing.

2020 has been marked by COVID-19 social and economic upheaval that has forced global organizations to rethink what work really means—and that could be a very good thing.

Experts from Juniper Networks and Trinamix discuss strategies to incorporate real-time data to eliminate supply chain latency.

Experts from Juniper Networks and Trinamix discuss strategies to incorporate real-time data to eliminate supply chain latency.

Learn how to address the challenges of data siloes in a way that speeds and improves decision-making quality.

Learn how to address the challenges of data siloes in a way that speeds and improves decision-making quality.

By Kaushik Sivakumar, SCM, Oracle, Product Management Asset-intensive projects are typically long-term initiatives that can cost millions or even billions of dollars over the asset’s implementation. During these uncertain times, it is even more important to streamline efficiencies for effective project management and to eliminate waste on highly capital-intensive projects. Some examples of asset intensive projects are nationally based cellular buildouts or a utility company’s project to install smart meters throughout a city. According to PMI Pulse of the Profession* survey, 9.9% of every dollar is wasted on poor project management, which equates to $99 million on a $1 billion project.   According to the same study, only 64% of the most mature project management teams deliver a project on time, and only 67% of projects are delivered on budget. When you compare those KPIs to low maturity project teams, only 36% of projects are delivered on time and 43% are on budget. Unnoticed Project Wastefulness There are many reasons for the excessive waste and poor project performance—a lack of visibility into financials for a given project, disconnected software applications, manual processes, workarounds to derive data from siloed information. Some traditional supply chain solutions provide data as sources for some of the project metrics, but they often don’t provide the detailed insight that a project manager needs to course correct quickly to prevent waste or knowing when to adjust supplies. Phases of a project Let’s dig a little deeper into the progression of an asset-intensive project, such as building a cellular network. Here are the typical phases of such a project: •    Quote/bid, initiate the project – This includes engineering functions, as well as negotiations, legal reviews, contracts, and project planning.  Depending on the contract terms, it may include prototypes of cell towers or suppliers providing quotes for other major physical components of the cellular network that are being built out or upgraded. •    Supply Chain Planning and Materials Management – This starts the initial phase of the supply chain processes that include planning, ordering, manufacturing, managing inventory, and transporting goods for the project. It also typically involves subcontracted services for specific aspects of the project, e.g. hiring architecture or site planning company, engineering services, or welders and electricians to help construct cell towers. •    Construction – Actual work of the project is performed at project sites. The project manager carefully manages the process, inventory and contractors to try to avoid delays and mitigate risks so that the construction project is completed on time and within budget. •    Transfer of ownership and service – Here, the completed asset, in this case, a cell tower network is transferred from the project manager/contractor to the owner. Depending on the project, it may be a private company or a public entity. And then, the asset typically rolls into a maintenance phase. At this point warranties, service contracts, SLAs, and replacement parts come in to play when there’s a hardware failure, upgrade or damage to a cell tower network. •    Capitalization, billing and revenue – The finance department will account for the receivables and payables, properly attributing costs and expenses to the correct project, and capitalizing assets. Common Challenges to Overcome What has been described is the intersection between projects and supply chain processes. Without an integrated solution, these processes can be a muddle of disparate management software applications, manual tasks, and cumbersome work-arounds. Add in delays in the timeline because of macroeconomics events, inclement weather, resource scheduling conflicts, permit reviews, approvals from cities or component part delays, and you could quite easily have a confusing trail that requires forensic investigation to see if a project is on budget, let alone identify the nuances of project waste and detect in-flight project scope creep. The Solution:  Six Opportunities to Eliminate Waste in Supply Chain Projects An end to end project-driven supply chain solution that integrates the six functions listed below can help project managers eliminate waste.   1.    Project planning—with dashboard KPIs to streamline scheduling and budgets for individual projects to quickly gain insight and track the progress at any point in the lifecycle. 2.    Procurement—designed for project-specific purchasing to ensure materials are priced, procured, and received into inventory according to the specifications of each individual project. 3.    Supply chain—with automated functionality to orchestrate a complex multi-project supply chain, you can set up business rules for project requests, orders, creating documents, look-ups and attachment categories, and replenishment planning with a dashboard work area to manage the workflows. 4.    Manufacturing—offering functionality to create work orders, review availability and pick materials at the project or task level, attribute work orders as well as manage inventory and costs per individual project. 5.    Maintenance—with a process flow to create work orders, issue parts from a common or project-specific inventory, the solution also enables you to purchase outside services, import materials, and resource costs, with all costs, resources, and details associated with individual projects. 6.    Finance—with controls to ensure that multiple projects, customers, and associated activities can be accounted for separately with visibility into costs, expenses, and payables. Benefits of a Project Driven Supply Chain Fully supporting supply chain processes within the context of a specific project, including procurement, inventory, ordering, manufacturing, shipping, maintenance and costing, as well as finance functions and project accounting makes it makes easier to gain oversight and take corrective action as needed.  When connected to finance, the project manager can gain visibility into how each project relates to the planned budget at any point in time. For more information on a complete suite of cloud-based applications, go to www.oracle.com/applications. For Project-driven supply chain information, go here.   *2018 PMI Pulse of the Profession Survey                    

By Kaushik Sivakumar, SCM, Oracle, Product Management Asset-intensive projects are typically long-term initiatives that can cost millions or even billions of dollars over the asset’s implementation....

The COVID-19 crisis has revealed an urgent need for predictive analytics supported by accurate real-time data across the organization—something only an integrated SaaS business suite can provide.

The COVID-19 crisis has revealed an urgent need for predictive analytics supported by accurate real-time data across the organization—something only an integrated SaaS business suite can provide.

A subscription business model can help you bring in revenue and give customers more options. Here are 6 ways to measure success.

A subscription business model can help you bring in revenue and give customers more options. Here are 6 ways to measure success.

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is experiencing a resurgence among all types of businesses that want to reduce costs and strengthen their balance sheets. Oracle Fusion Cloud EPM can help.

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is experiencing a resurgence among all types of businesses that want to reduce costs and strengthen their balance sheets. Oracle Fusion Cloud EPM can help.

We look at how pioneering companies are exploring structural change to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis.

We look at how pioneering companies are exploring structural change to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis.

Supply chain leaders around the globe have navigated radical changes in global trade and logistics that affect operations. Oracle’s Rick Jewell shares insights, learnings, and recommendations to help you chart a course for growth.

Supply chain leaders around the globe have navigated radical changes in global trade and logistics that affect operations. Oracle’s Rick Jewell shares insights, learnings, and recommendations to help...

Learn why supply chain collaboration and visibility are critical for streamlining operations.

Learn why supply chain collaboration and visibility are critical for streamlining operations.

Large enterprises are responding to the pandemic-induced cashflow crisis with more granular and agile forecasting and scenario planning.

Large enterprises are responding to the pandemic-induced cashflow crisis with more granular and agile forecasting and scenario planning.

For the fourth consecutive year, Oracle has been recognized as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis Solutions.

For the fourth consecutive year, Oracle has been recognized as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis Solutions.

Join us on November 17 to hear from experts at Deloitte, Alcar Italia, Bissell, MTN, Titan International, Inc. and Transworld Group as they share how improved insight and collaboration is improving their supply chain performance.

Join us on November 17 to hear from experts at Deloitte, Alcar Italia, Bissell, MTN, Titan International, Inc. and Transworld Group as they share how improved insight and collaboration is improving...

Mouser Electronics is using the scale of the cloud to support its global expansion plans.

Mouser Electronics is using the scale of the cloud to support its global expansion plans.

Learn six ways the AI-powered Oracle Digital Assistant with pre-built app skills and the ability to customize can drive efficiency and productivity, improve customer and employee experience, and support digital transformation.

Learn six ways the AI-powered Oracle Digital Assistant with pre-built app skills and the ability to customize can drive efficiency and productivity, improve customer and employee experience, and...

The new normal for supply chains will entail more automation, resiliency, flexibility, and agility.

The new normal for supply chains will entail more automation, resiliency, flexibility, and agility.

Adopting the latest new features in Oracle Cloud ERP is driving Oracle toward its goal of a one-day period close.

Adopting the latest new features in Oracle Cloud ERP is driving Oracle toward its goal of a one-day period close.

Even before COVID-19, finance teams had already started to design more agile, resilient organizations with higher levels of digitization. The pandemic has accelerated these efforts, as finance leaders realize the limitations of outdated systems and processes.

Even before COVID-19, finance teams had already started to design more agile, resilient organizations with higher levels of digitization. The pandemic has accelerated these efforts, as finance leaders...

Announcing the winners of the 2020 Oracle Change Agents of Finance Awards that celebrate finance leaders who have used technology to fearlessly embrace change, drive innovation, and define their futures.

Announcing the winners of the 2020 Oracle Change Agents of Finance Awards that celebrate finance leaders who have used technology to fearlessly embrace change, drive innovation, and define...

Touchless operations, predictive planning, and digital assistants help customers pivot to growth.

Touchless operations, predictive planning, and digital assistants help customers pivot to growth.

Solistica, a leading 3PL in Latin America, shares how they’ve improved on-time deliveries and saved costs with Oracle Cloud.

Solistica, a leading 3PL in Latin America, shares how they’ve improved on-time deliveries and saved costs with Oracle Cloud.

Join us for Oracle Live to discover why the time is now to recapture growth with cloud applications.

Join us for Oracle Live to discover why the time is now to recapture growth with cloud applications.

Customers increasingly value corporate citizenship, and CFOs are playing a bigger role in stewardship.

Customers increasingly value corporate citizenship, and CFOs are playing a bigger role in stewardship.

Learn how to improve insight and collaboration across the value chain so your organization can orchestrate and continually improve supply chain performance.

Learn how to improve insight and collaboration across the value chain so your organization can orchestrate and continually improve supply chain performance.

COVID-19 has accelerated the move from on-premise to cloud ERP. Here are 6 reasons to take the leap now.

COVID-19 has accelerated the move from on-premise to cloud ERP. Here are 6 reasons to take the leap now.

More people are working remotely than ever before, and indications are that it will continue. This makes cloud-based business apps essential.

More people are working remotely than ever before, and indications are that it will continue. This makes cloud-based business apps essential.

Resilience is about more than having the cash to weather disruption. It’s about building a flexible cloud infrastructure to deal with unrelenting change.

Resilience is about more than having the cash to weather disruption. It’s about building a flexible cloud infrastructure to deal with unrelenting change.

The supply chain for government has changed. In our latest blog, we discuss what it looks like today

The supply chain for government has changed. In our latest blog, we discuss what it looks like today

When everything is uncertain, rolling forecasts can help provide direction and guide decision-making.

When everything is uncertain, rolling forecasts can help provide direction and guide decision-making.

Looking for insight to help guide your next move? Cloud EPM can help you model new scenarios to find answers.

Looking for insight to help guide your next move? Cloud EPM can help you model new scenarios to find answers.

What role should the CFO play in getting the business engine running smoothly and powerfully again?

What role should the CFO play in getting the business engine running smoothly and powerfully again?

CFOs can play a central role in defining the true purpose of the business, and in driving operational changes to support it.

CFOs can play a central role in defining the true purpose of the business, and in driving operational changes to support it.

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the failings of outdated technology and made the case for digital transformation built upon a flexible cloud-centric approach.

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the failings of outdated technology and made the case for digital transformation built upon a flexible cloud-centric approach.

Leaders from McDonald's, McKinsey & Company, Accenture, and Oracle share their FP&A insights.

Leaders from McDonald's, McKinsey & Company, Accenture, and Oracle share their FP&A insights.

The COVID-19 crisis has forced companies to plan for a future in which there’s little precedent and no clear timeline. Here’s how scenario planning can help.

The COVID-19 crisis has forced companies to plan for a future in which there’s little precedent and no clear timeline. Here’s how scenario planning can help.

Leaders from KU, Spring Arbor and Skidmore share stories of innovation in challenging times.

Leaders from KU, Spring Arbor and Skidmore share stories of innovation in challenging times.

Throughout my career, I have always appreciated that people are the most critical resource and determinant of whether our initiatives will be successful. New technologies, processes, and strategies will only work if team members are motivated and appreciated. As we navigate these uncertain times, we must challenge ourselves to further develop and enhance our talent management strategies. Inclusive leadership is important whether in person or working remotely.  Being inclusive at a distance can absolutely be challenging, but I am confident we can figure it out. Almost overnight, many businesses moved to remote operations and began using web conferencing. YES! But, let’s not stop there. Online meetings are a great first start, but more effort is needed. For leaders who are accustomed to onsite employees, the dramatic shift to employees who are remote takes a shift in mindset. Many studies have reported that employees are actually more productive at home. I have been a virtual team member at Oracle for almost my entire career here, and I absolutely love that there is no traffic between my bedroom and office. Yes! If there is any good news about the challenges we are facing, it is certainly that my colleagues have reduced their commute by as much as three hours a day. However, one of the many down sides of mandatory shelter-in-place order is the anxiety and worry that jobs could be in jeopardy since “out of sight” could also mean “out of mind.” Fearful employees may even take extreme measures by creating and working on many “busy” projects and also by sending volumes of unnecessary emails. Avoiding and reducing this level of stress is why managers and leaders at all levels must develop or enhance inclusive leadership techniques to promote cohesion, collaboration, expectations, and cooperation as we collectively navigate this new uncharted territory.   What is Inclusive Leadership? It’s a verb … an action … in which leaders intentionally create an environment where the entire team is comfortable and confident in bringing forth their respective ideas and recommendations. This goes above and beyond usual techniques that focus on the outcome more than the process. In outcome-focused leadership, the team is almost singularly focused on getting the task completed without room for discussion about different approaches for completing the task or even evaluating whether the approach will yield the best results. Inclusive leadership means understanding the strengths of each person on the team and what is needed to maximize their contributions—starting with making sure that everyone on the team understands the importance of their role within the context of the larger organization. It also involves creating opportunities for team members to build relationships. This doesn’t change just because everyone is in a different location. In a normal work environment, effective leadership is challenging. But now, as the ground seems to be shifting under our feet from week to week, inclusive leadership can make the critical difference between a team that’s just hanging on and one that’s thriving. Here are my tips for practicing inclusive leadership: 1. Communicate, communicate, communicate Leaders cannot communicate enough when everyone is juggling different priorities at work and at home. Challenging schedules intertwined with work and home responsibilities, like managing children while working from home or caring for family members, may mean that each person receives communications differently and at different times. Thus, leaders must use all appropriate communication mechanisms at their disposal to reach the team—email, text, video conferencing, and chat. In sharing details about new business initiatives, strategies, customer engagements, or partnerships, leaders must carefully consider the overall communication plan to reduce the grapevine and rumor mill. 2. Provide clear, consistent communications In times of uncertainty, team members need frequent and direct communication—almost to the point of over communication in order to stay focused. In communications, please consider that if the team members know what to expect and how any news impacts them directly, they will be less stressed. This may include details about how the company is doing as a whole, how the team is tracking against goals, new business models, pivot strategies, new technology roll-outs, etc. Incomplete details and unanswered questions can escalate challenges and uncertainty. 3. Create frequent, proactive touch points to connect your team In team meetings, it is a good idea to build in time for short round-robin discussions to check in on team members, foster comradery and promote networking. Each meeting could have a different topic and team members can suggest creative discussion topics. Here are a few ideas to get you going: •    Mindfulness Mondays—encourage each person to share something they do to promote self-care, for example, recommending their favorite wellness app, online exercise class, or podcast •    Happy Hour Tuesday—ask everyone to share some good news … it can be work-related or personal •    Recognition Wednesday—each person acknowledges someone on the team who helped them recently •    Thankful Thursday—encourage people to share something they appreciate … again, it can be about work or in their personal lives •    Funday Friday—ask people to share something they are looking forward to that weekend Other ideas: •    Binge Mondays—what did you binge-watch over the weekend? •    Throwback Thursday—remember when … there were no iPhones, there was no email, there was no social media, etc. •    Reimagine Friday—what would you do about xyz initiative if you were in charge? 4. Share boundaries for the day or the week In the current environment, team members are juggling many priorities that may not coincide with the typical work day. If team members aren’t going to be available for specific segments of work day, ask them to share their availability by email or via another collaboration tool so that the entire team knows when to connect and/or when to expect a response. 5. Avoid accidental exclusion Inclusive leadership means no one is left out. This means paying extra attention to emails and posts that could unintentionally forget someone. For instance, if leaders hold a call about a particular topic, excluding someone from a meeting related to their responsibility only serves to alienate them and result in their worry about their roles. Another example is related to LinkedIn posts where the leader creates a post thanking specific people who worked on a project. Please be sure not to forget anyone by accident. Further, if leaders like and share posts on LinkedIn or other social media outlets, be sure to mix it up so you’re following, liking, and sharing posts from people across the organization. Optics are important. Trust me, team members notice if leaders only like the posts of upper management. A few unintentional slights like these can cause the team to feel completely marginalized. 6. Welcome new employees Usually when a new team member joins, they are taken around the office and introduced to all of the other team members. We can’t forget the benefits of a having a network and a few “go to” team members we can ask questions. In a remote environment, we must mirror this process as much as possible. Everyone must make an extra effort to get to know new team members by engaging them, inviting them to a virtual coffee, helping them get to know others in the organization, and also sharing context to get acclimated to the team as soon as possible. 7. Strike a balance between managing and micromanaging Demographic characteristics of the team must also be considered. There is a difference between Gen Y and Baby Boomer team members just as there are differences between new team members and seasoned ones. Each team member requires a different level of interaction, guidance, and autonomy—especially in remote environments where the inclination is to ask for daily reports and over-managing. And while it’s important to remember that everyone may be different, a new team member in a remote environment will require much more engagement than a tenured employee who knows the organization. At the same time, seasoned team members still need help and guidance from time to time. Although these team members typically prefer autonomy, leaders must not ignore them since there is a risk they could feel adrift within the organization. "Pay-it-forward" for employees and customers In closing, every leader has the ability to be an Inclusive leader. With intentional effort, leaders can enable and promote an inclusive environment in a virtual setting that is just as effective as the physical office space. I think the saying that “customers will never love you, until your employees do first” is 100% true. The benefits of new and strengthened alliances, collaboration, and comradery are well worth the effort. Customers and business partners will see and absolutely recognize these efforts. It’s a win-win! For more information about how Oracle Cloud Applications can help you and your team work remotely, go to www.oracle.com/applications. To learn more about Kimberly Ellison-Taylor you can access her Oracle Executive Biography here and also follow her on Linkedin.    

Throughout my career, I have always appreciated that people are the most critical resource and determinant of whether our initiatives will be successful. New technologies, processes, and strategies...

With the growing demand for IT professionals and the job market crisis, we put together a free offering of basic training. Sample training content in a variety of technological fields.

With the growing demand for IT professionals and the job market crisis, we put together a free offering of basic training. Sample training content in a variety of technological fields.

When finance and HR work from the same data and platform, companies up their recruitment and retention game.

When finance and HR work from the same data and platform, companies up their recruitment and retention game.

Timely and optimal student financial aid is one of the most effective ways to increase retention. Here’s how Oracle can help.

Timely and optimal student financial aid is one of the most effective ways to increase retention. Here’s how Oracle can help.

When HR and Finance work from a single source of data, both organizations benefit.

When HR and Finance work from a single source of data, both organizations benefit.

The Lambeth Borough Council had more to do, but with less budget and staff. Learn how it managed the challenge with a modern, integrated ERP and HCM cloud.

The Lambeth Borough Council had more to do, but with less budget and staff. Learn how it managed the challenge with a modern, integrated ERP and HCM cloud.

When lines of business operate from a combined ERP and HCM cloud, the entire organization benefits in important ways.

When lines of business operate from a combined ERP and HCM cloud, the entire organization benefits in important ways.

Data security remains a critical business priority for HR professionals and beyond.

Data security remains a critical business priority for HR professionals and beyond.

Global manufacturer Cohu decided to move to a single cloud platform for ERP and supply chain to unify their business and have the ability to scale quickly.

Global manufacturer Cohu decided to move to a single cloud platform for ERP and supply chain to unify their business and have the ability to scale quickly.

The new normal requires a move from linear planning to continuous forecasting and scenario modeling. Oracle Cloud EPM can help.

The new normal requires a move from linear planning to continuous forecasting and scenario modeling. Oracle Cloud EPM can help.

Learn how a digital assistant helps employees manage their expenses faster and easier.

Learn how a digital assistant helps employees manage their expenses faster and easier.

Adopting a data-first approach to your financial systems helps you control changes and improve reporting like never before.

Adopting a data-first approach to your financial systems helps you control changes and improve reporting like never before.

Baylor University, Boise State, and Rutgers University discuss how they’re embracing the transformation to virtual operating models driven by COVID-19.

Baylor University, Boise State, and Rutgers University discuss how they’re embracing the transformation to virtual operating models driven by COVID-19.

A new article in Forbes calls Oracle Fusion Cloud "the real deal," and says that's bad news for competitors.

A new article in Forbes calls Oracle Fusion Cloud "the real deal," and says that's bad news for competitors.

Oracle’s innovation is leading the way in artificial intelligence and machine learning-powered applications and platforms. Learn more about how Oracle’s embedded AI is giving companies more value from their data by using big data, advanced analytics, and modern machine learning to enhance business and IT operations.

Oracle’s innovation is leading the way in artificial intelligence and machine learning-powered applications and platforms. Learn more about how Oracle’s embedded AI is giving companies more value...

For companies using multiple finance systems, EDM makes it easier to synchronize data and improve accuracy.

For companies using multiple finance systems, EDM makes it easier to synchronize data and improve accuracy.

Higher education is facing an affordability crisis, but a data-driven approach can help you build a financial aid office that’s ready for the future.

Higher education is facing an affordability crisis, but a data-driven approach can help you build a financial aid office that’s ready for the future.

Important updates to Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) can help finance leaders build resilient and adaptable businesses.

Important updates to Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) can help finance leaders build resilient and adaptable...

For the second year, Oracle ERP Cloud is the only Leader.

For the second year, Oracle ERP Cloud is the only Leader.

Chris Wood, VP of business transformation at FedEx Services, says leadership and teamwork have kept the company on track through the current crisis.

Chris Wood, VP of business transformation at FedEx Services, says leadership and teamwork have kept the company on track through the current crisis.

Steve Phillpott, CIO of Western Digital, says the ability to pivot quickly is essential to navigating a crisis.

Steve Phillpott, CIO of Western Digital, says the ability to pivot quickly is essential to navigating a crisis.

Sandra Clarke, CFO of Blue Shield California, says now is the time to take advantage of advances in digital technologies.

Sandra Clarke, CFO of Blue Shield California, says now is the time to take advantage of advances in digital technologies.

FedEx, Western Digital and Blue Shield California talk recovery and growth strategies with Fortune Magazine.

FedEx, Western Digital and Blue Shield California talk recovery and growth strategies with Fortune Magazine.