Author: Erika Bjune
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Reimagining Work: Roles vs. Job Titles
One thing that has been consistent over my years managing technology teams is that people generally thrive when they have the chance to learn new things while contributing something of value. The routine of doing the same tasks every day can quickly become a grind, leading to boredom and disengagement. It’s especially frustrating when you…
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Choosing Trust: Seven Practices to Overcome Workplace Politics
In any workplace, the choice between engaging in politics or building trust is ever-present. It’s a choice that can define not just your career but the overall health of the work environment. While workplace politics might seem like an inevitable aspect of professional life, it’s important to recognize that this is not the only option.…
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Working and Growing Together: Advantages of Combining Forces
In a world where individualism and competition often dominate the landscape of work and business, the idea of joining forces with like-minded people to tackle mission-driven challenges may seem counterintuitive. Yet, for those of us committed to addressing societal, economic, environmental, and climate issues, collaboration is not just beneficial—it is essential. By banding together, we…
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The Business Case for Treating People Well
In a recent conversation with a CEO friend, I found myself explaining some of the fundamental principles of self-management. We discussed the benefits of pushing decision-making down to the front lines, using role descriptions instead of rigid job titles, and creating space for continuous learning and reflection. As I laid out these ideas, my friend,…
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Distributing Decision-Making: The Road to True Empowerment
I was talking with a friend and former colleague recently who is in an executive role at a manufacturing company. I asked him what some of his biggest organizational challenges were, and he said he was having the most trouble with empowering people to make decisions. It wasn’t because he was unable or unwilling to…
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From Silos to Synergy: Creating a Cohesive Work Environment
Breaking down organizational silos is a crucial step toward enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and creating a cohesive work environment. My journey in various organizations, particularly during my time as interim CTO at Wikimedia Foundation, has shown me firsthand the challenges and rewards of transforming siloed teams into synergistic units. Understanding Organizational Silos Organizational silos are…
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Adaptive Teaming: Transforming Team Dynamics for Innovation and Impact
Your team has successfully released your minimum viable product (MVP) – it’s time to celebrate! But as the celebration winds down, it’s crucial to start planning how to push your product into production while continuing to innovate and build the next version. With your idea resonating in the market, other companies are entering the same…
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Purpose-Driven Organizations: Aligning Mission with Daily Operations
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, high-impact organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of being driven by a sense of purpose. A purpose-driven organization is one that aligns its core mission and long-term vision with its daily operations, ensuring that every action taken contributes to the broader goals and values of the company. All too…
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Embracing a Self-Management Mindset: Six Principles for Co-Leading
In my upcoming book, Organizing for Impact, I explore what I call the IMPACT mindset—essential principles for thriving in self-managed environments where co-leadership is key. Here’s a brief synopsis of these six principles and how they can be adopted individually to cultivate effective co-leadership: 1. Self-Awareness Over Ignorance Self-awareness involves understanding our own emotions, strengths,…
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Transforming Leadership: From Hierarchies to Self-Managing Organizations
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, traditional hierarchical models are increasingly giving way to more dynamic and flexible structures. Among these, self-managing organizations stand out for their emphasis on autonomy, collaboration, and decentralized decision-making. However, the shift to self-management does not eliminate the need for leadership; instead, it redefines the role of leaders in fundamental…