DTS Industry Experts Share 2023 Predictions

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We asked DTS thought leaders to pull from years of client experience to share insight on the trends shaping the 2023 landscape, including cybersecurity compliance, personal learning plans, human capital, automation strategies, and leadership advice. They identified these trends: 

2023 Trends to Watch

Cybersecurity Compliance

With the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification interim rule set to launch in early 2023, companies in the defense industrial base will be scrambling to achieve cybersecurity compliance

“Few small or mid-sized organizations have the budgets to allow for rigorous remediation to be complete or advanced cybersecurity solutions to be developed in-house. We predict that many will turn to outside firms for niche expertise and best-practice solutions for all aspects needed for compliance – policy & procedure, documentation, and technical support. The hidden challenge is finding a firm that can do all three well.”

—Derek Kernus, CISSP, CCSP, CMMC RP, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, DTS

Learning & Development

The future of work and the hybrid workforce demands a more personal approach. We’ll see the creation of individual-focused programs like digital coaching and digital mentoring.

“We are piloting a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) with a client that provides newly hired employees with a series of assessments at the start, three-month mark, six-month mark, and one-year mark of employment. This PLP provides a personal snapshot of the new employee’s initial baseline knowledge and identifies specific areas for improvement with recommended training resources to help strengthen those growth areas throughout their first year of employment.”

—Jamie A. Repesh, MS ISD, HPT, Director of Training and Development, DTS

Leadership Strategy

Growth in 2023 will require creativity and calculated risk.

“For SMBs to continue to remain competitive, they will need to consider non-traditional strategies for growth, including expanding into new markets or launching new models for their services. For example, a government contractor making the leap into the commercial space. We predict that this shift will demand an increased reliance on foundational data.” 

—Edward Tuorinsky, PMP, CMMI, Managing Principal, DTS

Technology & Transformation

Increasing productivity doesn’t mean throwing bodies at challenges. The future of work relies on emerging technology.

“SMBs struggle with costs and productivity. The growth and success of their business depend on devising strategies that help them scale – without burning a hole in their pocket. Automation is the solution to this puzzle, but for SMBs to benefit from it, they need to be smart about identifying which areas of their business will benefit most from automation technology investments.”

—Edward Tuorinsky, PMP, CMMI, Managing Principal, DTS

Human Capital

While many believe we haven’t seen the end of the Great Resignation, there ARE ways for organizations to keep their top talent.

“I predict we’ll see more companies, not just the big brands, paying attention to their employee experience to boost retention. I believe organizations can keep valuable staff members, for extended periods, by providing them with new opportunities and new roles or responsibilities. It also takes a culture that aligns ethically with your best employees, continuing to compensate appropriately, and leadership that actually leads as an active member of their team.”

—Derek Kernus, CISSP, CCSP, CMMC RP, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, DTS

“This coming year, we’ll see companies taking a new approach to demonstrate how important employees are to overall success. Look for managers to be deliberate about each employee’s connection to the overall mission and relate daily tasks to a larger purpose, all in an effort to boost retention. Those efforts will include building support networks for individuals, identifying mentors, and scheduling collaboration time during the work day for organic exchanges.”

—Col Brian Sims, USAF Ret., Director of Operations, DTS

“As we enter into the next phase, we will see organizations putting more trust and control in the hands of managers to make hybrid work environments successful —from culture and corporate values, training, and mentorship—and translating that into success for clients and team members alike.”

—Melissa Ho, PMP, CMMI, Director of Professional Services, DTS