In our previous blog, we discussed how organizational strategy impacts the design choices organization leaders must make. We also touched on the concept of organization alignment with strategy using our Cube model of organization design, which equates the organization systems (work processes, structure, information and metrics, etc.) of a business … Read more
There is a tendency among organizations to equate strategy with goal setting: what we want to become, where we want to go, what we want to achieve. These goals are often set from a financial or operational performance perspective. For example, targeting revenue goals, achieving a market leadership position, or … Read more
Many companies are setting up internal centers of expertise (COE) to help do and manage the work of implementing organization change. Having these capabilities in house can be an efficient and cost effective way to manage change within an organization. However, COEs that operate in isolation or as a bolt-on … Read more
In a recent post, we addressed the topic of linkages within an organization. Linkages, or informal relationships within an organization, make up the organization’s “unseen,” informal structure: how people relate to and work with each other across organizational boundaries. Linkages often have as much or even more impact on organizational … Read more
The design of commercial organizations inside of companies brings unique organization alignment challenges for executives and practitioners alike. Because most sales and marketing functions touch the end-customer in very real and tangible ways, the design of these functions must create an extraordinary experience for customers and also deliver differentiated marketplace … Read more
Business model transformation can deliver a tremendous amount of value for an organization, competitively speaking. Recently, a potential client who was trying to change how her sales force is set up asked me, “what are some of the best business models you’ve seen?” That’s a tricky question. There are many … Read more
The holidays can be a mixed blessing for those of us involved in implementing organization change. While it’s wonderful to get together with family and friends to celebrate the season, the additional social commitments add an extra layer of complexity to our already demanding schedules. Along with pushing to meet … Read more
Whether in subtle ways or blatant ways, one issue that is bound to come up in nearly every organization is that of control. People rarely admit they want to be the one in control, but in reality it’s an ongoing undercurrent in nearly every human interaction – especially in organizations. … Read more
In many ways, implementing organization change is a matter of mindset. The role of leadership in change management involves to a large extent ensuring that people at all levels of the organization adopt the proper mindset for success. There is an interesting tendency in human nature to want things to … Read more
Traditional organization design methods don’t always move fast enough to keep up with the pace of change with which businesses must cope. More and more leaders are seeking innovative organization design approaches and solutions to address new and compelling marketplace trends. They are asking themselves: “How valid are these trends, … Read more