Just like nature has 4 elements (fire, water, air, earth), I see 7 essential, consistent elements across every organization… regardless if it’s 2 people or 200K, if it’s artisan jewelry or software engineering, you’ll find: Note – these are not functions or departments or titles. WE create each of those as structures to standardize, control […]
Eternal organizational elements. Read More »
We historically think of apprenticeships like the image here. But we can quickly lose the narrative for the nostalgia and novelty if we don’t take it apart and put in today’s context. Look closer. It’s simply expertise, sharing, observing, conversing, correcting, critiquing, praising, motivating. It’s also learning in the work, it’s seeing the immediacy of
When The Student is Ready, The Teacher Will Appear Read More »
Cities show us how design shapes behavior. Walkable streets, green spaces, and transitional areas like porches or plazas aren’t just aesthetic, they foster connection. As the Psychology Today article in comments notes, “Stress-reducing elements of urban design include features that support strong intergenerational connections and social support networks.” These spaces create opportunities for interaction, helping
Design for Resiliency: lessons from cities Read More »
My morning article read led me to a Forbes piece titled, “Why Social Skills Will Drive Success In The Workplace Of The Future.” In it the author highlighted that “layoffs are rampant, engagement is at a 10-year low and workplace loneliness is an epidemic.” The recommendations made to encourage social connection were to, among others,:
Short-term Gimmicks or Long-term Gains Read More »
In my work on Social By Design, I argue that organizations must intentionally create environments that enhance, not disrupt, social connections. Much of this I have drawn on the disciplines of organizational design, learning, observation, lived experience and experimentation (i.e. doing the work) but when scientific research around social behavior appears, I’m always intrigued! This
The Social (Learning) Lives of Mice and Men Read More »
