Have you ever compared specific roles in a productive firm … compared to failing companies?
Wander through any organization where workers tell you dissatisfaction is rampant and where systems are flawed ... and observe people’s roles in action.
First, notice how a few dominate, while successful companies encourage interactive roundtable discussions about pretty much any topic.
Second, check out the passive workers who complete required routines without questioning … as compared to vibrant interactions in competitive organizations … where leaders also learn daily.
Third, see leaders who mandate tasks … as compared to the lively interactions where workers at times also lead.
Fourth, watch workers who mainly listen to dictates … as compared to motivated participants.
Finally, look at the brokenness perpetuated by top down and controlling roles … as compared to the life that follows from differences recognized and valued.
The key question here is, how can broken systems … built for past generations … evolve into brain based enterprises equipped to conquer today’s challenges? What do you think?
I think a lot of businesses cannot wait for asset-based thinking to arrive in boardrooms, but as long as control freaks have the power, it will be skirmish after skirmish. In larger public companies and smaller, more flexible places, the value of participatory management to a bottom line may be seen, but in family owned businesses and medium sized companies with a long term leadership, I'm not sure it's how long till they fix the system but rather, IF they will fix it. Or even if they will ever see that it's broken. I've personally worked for guys that would rather watch their business disintegrate than relax their fingers.
Posted by: Robyn | July 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Permalink to Comment