Publication Type: Articles
Articles are blog posts discussing self-management and related topics.
Cultural Observations on Self-management and Holacracy in China
had no expectations coming to Shanghai to speak on Holacracy, at The First China Organizational Evolution Forum. I was maybe too busy with day to day business, considering my trip something exotic that I just had to experience. Talking to a few dozen Chinese people, I realise I was right, and wrong. Right, because I was … Read more
5 Ways Holacracy Organizes Power to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World
Why Understanding the Role of Power is Key to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World
What kind of impact can Holacracy have from a business perspective?
An Entrepreneur Shares His Experiences
David Allen Co’s CEO Reflects on Holacracy
Excerpts from a 2013 conversation with former David Allen Co. CEO Mike Williams.
Why Isn’t the Lead Link Elected?
In Holacracy, the Lead Link of a circle is chosen by the Lead Link of its super-circle, but people sometimes ask, “Why isn’t the Lead Link elected? After all, the other three core roles (Rep Link, Secretary, and Facilitator) are elected; why not the Lead Link (LL)?” Here are a few reasons why it would … Read more
Holacracy Basics: Understanding Policies
Of the three basic governance constructs (accountabilities, domains, and policies), policies are by far the most misunderstood. Is a policy a process? Is it a corporate policy, like the dress code? Neither of those is exactly right, and after reading this you’ll hopefully have a better intuitive sense of what policies are and how to … Read more
Policies Governing People in Holacracy
The organization can only control what it owns, and it doesn’t own people. It can make agreements with people, but it cannot unilaterally mandate or determine people’s behavior. How NOT to Handle Things Like Working Hours, Dress Code, and Social Norms Policies related to hours of operation, or other expectations of people which are typically captured … Read more
Holacracy Basics: Understanding Domains
Domains: The Basics Domains are one of the three elements of a role/circle (the others are purpose and accountabilities). We use them to centralize control because, by default, Holacracy gives everyone the authority to take any action or make any decision to fulfill their role/circle’s purpose or accountabilities. Domains are like a piece of property controlled … Read more