Danger in the Comfort Zone

14

Operate in Optimum Ways

Operating in optimum ways involves:

■  Values

■  Simplicity

■  Selection

■  Effective processes

Values

Tom Whiteside left IBM to join Silicon Graphics. He said, “Nobody’s dumb at IBM. But it’s like herding cats; they all have their own agenda.” Being individualistic and competitive can foster creativity and innovation. But it can also stifle cooperation and coordination. Effective organizations need to have room for individuality, and they must also, simultaneously, reinforce the value that contributing to the common good must often take precedence over seeking advantage for a part. The values of the organization must motivate people to work for the good of the whole.

Michael Cavanaugh, an adjunct professor at the University ...