Embracing Change and Cultivating Collaboration
Collaboration is preached, but trust is lacking. Yet, trust can be built, and people can be empowered to exercise judgment and do what’s right. We acknowledge that our current way of working is flawed, but we need help to envision alternatives. We yearn for change but feel stuck in the allure of bureaucracy. We seek speed and innovation but are not open to risk and hinder our most talented individuals.
Organizational debt refers to structures or policies that no longer serve their purpose. We must simplify and create agile roles, rules, and processes that foster learning and adaptation to avoid its pitfalls.
Organizational debt breeds bureaucracy, which, in turn, perpetuates organizational debt — a tragic cycle. The power of autonomy and positive expectations drives motivation. Treating individuals as all-stars encourages them to become all-stars. People are capable of self-organization under favorable conditions. Regular reorganization should replace infrequent large-scale overhauls. Aligning OKRs eliminates room for divergence and serendipity.
Organizational culture is not a problem to be solved but an evolving phenomenon we must nurture. Leaders and teams must internalize that our current way of working is not fixed; it can be reimagined. Historical figures and institutions shaped our existing work structures. We must appreciate what still serves us and be open to changing the rest. Legacy leaders often see everything through the lens of a factory, believing that perseverance alone can fix any problem. Yet, our bureaucracies need to be equipped to handle the complexities and surprises of the modern world.
Complicated systems operate based on cause and effect, allowing for problem-solving. Thus, complex systems need a focus on relationships and interactions.
The greatest obstacle to progress in the twenty-first century is ourselves. By understanding principles, we can choose methods that align with our goals. Instead of relying on borrowed wisdom, we must think, confront difficulties, and persist in finding solutions. Challenges and hardships provide opportunities for personal growth. Success lies in never giving up. We need capable leaders, increased efficiency, and organizational restructuring to move forward.
[¹]: Brave New Work: Are You Ready to Reinvent Your Organization?
