Re-inventing the shape of an organization structure?

Shoe and fashion website Zappos wanted to continue encouraging entrepreneurial thinking as the company grew, so founder Tony Heish adopted a very interesting and innovative philosophy called “holacracy.”

It is an approach that empowers staff to operate autonomously whenever possible within the bounds of an overarching constitution.

Brian Robertson who wrote a book called Holacracy, acts as a consultant for many companies looking to adapt this fresh approach.

This kind of corporate culture and infrastructure reduces the size of management and all the inefficiencies associated with traditional organization structure.

The time and the financial resources needed to support the traditional system, now go directly to the bottom line for a holacracy system.

This unique approach allows people to operate in the best interest of the organization while also motivating and engaging workers.

The premise is not dissimilar to a civilization that prospers when freedom and empowerment are at the forefront.

When it comes to holacratic job descriptions, they consist of three things, a purpose, one or more domains where the role has exclusive control, and a set of continuing activities.

Roles can also change overtime.

There is no top down organization structure, but rather an extended network of cell structures.

Some cells are circles and some are sub circles within larger circles. Members of the larger circle appoint a “lead link” to represent its needs, and the smaller circle appoints a “representative link” to represent the issues of concern to the larger circle.

These links do not have authority as they are listeners and communicators.

If anyone encounters a problem that they cannot handle, they bring the problem to their immediate group.

Only one problem or “tension” is solved at a time.

The tensions are prioritized and the group discusses solution ideas after someone comes to the group with a tension.

This food for thought might be something that you wish to further research.

Farewell,

Mike

Recruiting BusinessMike KingJuly 14, 2017Toronto Headhunter, Recruiter, Headhunters, Recruitment FirmComment