Organisations That Matter

Embedded organisations, organisations that matter, tend to be those that have the greatest resilience against the unexpected, against the disruption of familiar systems and structures. If we are heading into a world of increasing disruption and uncertainty, the skills of creating and sustaining such organisations are going to take on an increasing importance. (These are also the skills of getting things done without relying on people being paid or ordered to do things.)

So learn to pay attention to where the life is within your projects or organisations. Be willing to turn down the sensible option — doing more of the same, but larger — when you notice that it represents only lifeless growth. Don't blame others when the life is going out of something, but go back to the story at the heart of it. See if you can retell that story in a way that will bring life to it again.