Moving one's workplace organizational structure, and thinking, from a pyramid to a network is #3 of our Top 7 changes for a successful workplace in the 21st century.
This one is actually taking a bit longer than expected to make headway. I have yet to see an Org Chart as a network rather than pyramid. And Boomer managers certainly are resisting the new procedures and policies of the network, holding on to the last-century Org Chart as a pyramid.
My brilliant co-author Julie Coates has found the literature that demonstrates that a network is far more efficient and effective than a pyramid. Decisions are made faster, and better, by the best people. Communication happens more quickly. Problems are solved faster and better. Thus the people are more productive, the organization more profitable (or efficient in the case of a government agency).
Maybe the network is taking over more surrepticiously than I know. What do you think?
Kerry Flowers, head of leadership development programs at the California Franchise Tax Board, gave out 500 copies of NineShift to people in her agency attending the NineShift presentation there last month.