If It’s Lagom, This Must Be Sweden
Kristina Williams and Kay Devine
The characteristic lagom—loosely translated as “enough, sufficient, adequate, or just right”—is deeply embedded in Swedish culture and thus in the Swedish leadership style, with its emphasis on egalitarianism and consensus. Certain aspects of the Swedish leadership style, if adopted by leaders elsewhere in the world, might result in beneficial outcomes.
Lagom permeates Swedish culture so thoroughly that many successful Swedish leaders practice it instinctively. Perhaps this is why so many Swedish companies—including Alfa Laval, AGA, Electrolux, Ericsson, IKEA, Volvo, and Scandinavian Airlines—are well-known success stories.
What is lagom? According to folklore, it is a contraction ...
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