The Trouble With Hierarchy
Hierarchy lets leaders learn more; it pushes the org to learn about itself, not about customers; it creates busywork. A network of teams is the answer.
Power
Power is the substance of organizational life. Posts on how it concentrates, how it moves, and how it might be redistributed.
11 posts
Five Org Design Things N° 4
Tesla and vertical integration; hotels and the theory of the firm; Shipt dystopia; Range's newest raise; digital service.
Ownership & Symmetry
Why do founders behave so poorly? Why do they struggle to distribute authority? Why is it so hard for employees to have their voices heard, for their good data from the edge of the organization to be incorporated into decisions? I believe all of this stems from asymmetrical risk. Almost
The Organization Is Broken
Are organizations degrading the human experience, or are they poised to accelerate our progress toward dignity and achievement in the 21st century? Yes.
Flattening
Basic premise: because technology (and other factors), firms were able to flatten, putting more managers under the direct control of a senior leader.
New Governance Models
I very much enjoyed this article from the FT. I am not the first person to worry about the joint-stock company. Adam Smith, founder of modern economics, argued: “Negligence and profusion . . . must always prevail, more or less, in the management of the affairs of such a company.” His concern is
Designing for Autonomy
Purposeful autonomy has been, and always will be, the main goal of organizing.
Creating power
Power is the most fundamental part of human relationships. Platonic, romantic, sexual, political, cultural, economic, social and familial (did I miss any?) relationships are based in a simple exchange of power. One side has some, the other has less. This isn't necessarily a recognized or intentional exchange, though
This is not an ad
So I was thinking about my previous post, and of the connotations of power in advertising. I started going through what I've learned about power, and I remembered that Michel Foucault did quite a bit of thinking on the subject. Most of my worthwhile education has revolved around
Seduction, Power, and "Cool"
In the last few weeks I've been thinking quite a bit about what defines "cool"... I've discussed the topic with colleagues, friends and random people. While some say that cool is fleeting, I disagree. Hype is fleeting. Cool is permanent, generally not recognized by
Seduction, Power, and "Cool"
In the last few weeks I've been thinking quite a bit about what defines "cool"... I've discussed the topic with colleagues, friends and random people. While some say that cool is fleeting, I disagree. Hype is fleeting. Cool is permanent, generally not recognized by