Breaking Through Constraints (SSIR)

more fundamental solution of the bottom loop: redesigning the entire project management system, and rethinking the ordinary roadblocks and formalities. But this strategy would take longer, and less attention is…

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In effect, Gene and Steve started by thinking that their job was to get the movers and painters to fit into and support the system. By the end, they were trying to figure out, with the help of the movers and painters, how to get the system to be as centered around the movers and painters as possible as well as be supportive of their efforts. Such a

methodologies, structure, and guidelines. They need to understand how to implement the systems, tools, and processes readily available to them to executive effectively and collaboratively. The world is changing faster than we can keep up, and Nick and I are in agreement—we can make a difference in peoples’ lives in the way that we work.

Differences in status, power, title, and function are lessened during the process.

on action: the practices of leadership on adaptive issues from preparation to implementation. Whatever form your interventions take, if successful, they are likely to have certain qualities: • Pointing to a long-term solution (rather than a quick fix) to the adaptive challenge • Framing the challenge and offering interpretations of the issues and t

Marginalized contributors. Rigidly cascaded systems tend to shut out input from frontline employees. In a top-down ecosystem, contributors will hesitate to share goal-related concerns or promising ideas. • One-dimensional linkages. While cascading locks in vertical alignment, it’s less effective in connecting peers horizontally, across departmental

Communication and interaction are nurtured across all formal and informal boundaries.