Shape of the Org Chart LO5868

William J. Hobler, Jr. (bhobler@cpcug.org)
Tue, 27 Feb 1996 09:17:32 -0500

Replying to LO5792 --

On Feb 22 Joe DiVincenzo commented about the web with a web visualization
of an organization

>As I read all that you wrote I couldn't help thinking that the 'web' was
>not two dimensional, but in 3D

Even more than three dimensional. The webs are dynamic in nature, that is
they change as functions of time. It may really be a function of the
activities the organization is engaged in at this moment.

Back in my youth I could visualize the reaction of fields in solid state
devices with respect to varying inputs -- I prefer to sidestep such detail
and treat the devices as 'black boxes.' That is if these are the inputs to
the system I can expect this output. There is a transform at work between
the two.

In organizational work, in leadership, the leader must be able to reach
into the web at the most appropriate point to obtain the desired
transform. For instance, if implementation of a new technology is needed
the leader must tap the early adapters (tinkerers) in the organization.
This is a situation in which the leader must know his/her people and place
them in an atmosphere in which they are challenged to do something they
like to do. (A fun part of leading)

Yes, this is in some ways treating the web as consisting of black boxes,
that is somewhat ignoring what is happening within that part of the
organization. However inhumane this sounds, it is pragmatic. Sustained
success with this type of leadership is dependent, in large measure, on
trust, openness and mutual respect that are characteristics of the kind of
organizations we are discussing here.

Just The job is not done until we are humbled
Bill by what we accomplished together.

-- 

"William J. Hobler, Jr." <bhobler@cpcug.org>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>