6 Posts found for Author: David Marquet

The problem with hierarchy is not the role definition that comes with it, the problem is that bosses use hierarchy to tell those below them what to do. We believe that clear role definitions (with people filling various roles that may change from time to time) allows the team to focus on getting the job done rather than worrying about the uncertainly of the limits … [ Read more ]

Content: Quotation | Author: David Marquet | Source: “Harvard Business Review” | Subject: Organizational Behavior

One of the problems with the word empowerment is that it is vague. “Empowerment” does not inherently contain the ability to measure and affect it: two necessary components for improving it. What do we say, “Be somewhat more empowered than you used to be?” That’s like saying “Get stronger” and then going to the gym and never knowing how much weight you are pushing.

Content: Quotation | Author: David Marquet | Source: “Harvard Business Review” | Subjects: Leadership, Management, Organizational Behavior

I’m sour on the word empowerment and I’m sour on empowerment programs. To me, saying we need an empowerment program is like saying we need a swimming program. The implication is that swimming isn’t a natural occurring behavior for our people. So, what we are saying when we say we need an empowerment program is that the fundamental way we run our organization is dis-empowering, … [ Read more ]

Content: Article | Author: David Marquet | Source: “Harvard Business Review” | Subjects: Management, Organizational Behavior

The shift from “we” to “they” is typically the boundary between where we cooperate (we cooperate with we) and where we compete (we compete with they.)

Content: Quotation | Author: David Marquet | Source: “99U” | Subject: Communication

Humans are incredibly good at making quick interpretations of visual scenes. We then decide what to do. This provides an evolutionary advantage. It works extremely well at an individual level and has kept the species alive.

When we interact as a group, however, this skill limits our effectiveness. We argue about what to do without being curious about the different interpretations we may have of … [ Read more ]

Content: Quotation | Author: David Marquet | Source: “99U” | Subjects: Communication, Management, Organizational Behavior, Teamwork

Humans are incredibly good at making quick interpretations of visual scenes. We then decide what to do. This provides an evolutionary advantage. It works extremely well at an individual level and has kept the species alive.

When we interact as a group, however, this skill limits our effectiveness. We argue about what to do without being curious about the different interpretations we may have of … [ Read more ]

Content: Article | Author: David Marquet | Source: “99U” | Subjects: Leadership, Management, Organizational Behavior