Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Sitting between two Generals, briefing the results of experimenting with priorities for $60B+ of investments.
I see his Deputy streaking ahead in the briefing paper.
He interrupts.
“Where’s the [redacted] force?”
“You don't need them”.
In that rapid exchange, I dissociate from adviser-me who’s still briefing. I can’t believe my ears nor my eyes counting every page on ascent, sheaves separating. On descent, gathering to land at the far end of the Boardroom table. …Duuuff…
Back live.
“Wrong answer, Richard” says the Deputy.
Reason and hierarchy at play. I can tell, show and ask all I want. I know who makes the decisions here.
Hierarchy is power. Power to throw things out. Throw ideas out. Throw people out. Power to distribute power, position and resources.
Hierarchy is natural in Nature.
Our difference is we have a choice. Exercise power over people. Or evolve a “collective identity” and formulate “integrated levels of structure” to work with, not against, the lessons of Nature in viable hierarchies. [1]
We discuss viable hierarchy in my next webinar. Please register to join the conversation on Friday, 4 December 2020 at 10:00am AEDT and to make sure you receive a link to the recording. www.drrichardhodge.com/webcast
#management #strategy #humanresources #thiscentury
Reference
[1] Geoffrey West (2017) Scale – The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability and the Pace of Life in Organisms, Cities, Economies and Companies. (p.102)