Bob’s Algorithm: Working with Org Goal Conflicts

Craig crafted a powerful algorithm that helps address such conflicts in optimizing goals and teaming up with people like Bob. Everyone who had a chance learning from Craig in his classes on system thinking in org design—Certified LeSS Practitioner—knows this well.

Let’s assume the organization’s primary goal has been set: to become more customer-centric.

There is Bob. He supports customer centricity in theory. When the change starts to touch his team, though, he pushes back.

“If we let developers talk to customers,” Bob might say, “That wouldn’t be efficient. If we let developers spend time with customers, they’ll lose precious development time.”

Our first instinct is to fight and prove we are right and he is wrong. But that will only turn up emotions and, in the worst case, turn Bob from a vocal proponent to a silent saboteur. That would undermine the whole change process. We need to act with compassion and wisdom.

Want to read more?

Subscribe to orgtopologies.com to keep reading this exclusive post.

Subscribe Now