originally posted on LinkedIn, 16th of November 2024
Five years ago, my perspective on work changed forever.
It began with a small team tasked with solving a problem. Initially, we carried the hierarchies of our formal roles into the room. But as we searched for new approaches, we discovered a world of ideas—Reinventing Organizations by Frederick Laloux and Sociocracy 3.0, among others. These methods didn’t just provide tools; they sparked transformation. A retrospective we ran, focusing on personal relationships, changed everything. Our team didn’t just perform better; relationships deepened, some becoming lifelong friendships.
That was my turning point. I realized that people will always go further for friends than for colleagues. And from there, my love for self-managing organizations began.
Why Self-Management?
For me, self-managing organizations embody work with purpose. It’s work that doesn’t feel like work but rather something you’d pursue even without a paycheck. These environments unlock collective intelligence, showing time and again that a team’s wisdom far outstrips that of any single leader—especially since leadership positions are often influenced by factors beyond pure ability to lead.
Frederick Laloux put it beautifully in Reinventing Organizations: it’s about being an adult at work, not just being treated as a subordinate. It’s about responsibility, trust, and autonomy.
What Does Self-Management Mean?
For me, self-management means having authority over how the work is done and the processes that guide it. But it goes deeper—it’s also about self-design, where teams shape not only their workflows but also their composition and relationships. In its fullest form, it’s self-governing: authority over how the team works, who’s on it, and even its core purpose.
My Journey
It started small, with a university course exploring new approaches to work. Then we transformed a small team of four, and later, a larger team—this time rethinking not just their processes but their purpose. Each experience reinforced my belief: this works. And now, I focus on helping others embark on their own journeys toward self-management.
It Starts with You
Here’s the thing: self-managing organizations are not for a select few. Anyone can thrive in this environment—but you have to take the first steps yourself. No one can hand you the experience or the mindset. But if you’re open to change, the possibilities are endless.
So, here’s my question for you: Are you looking for work that feels meaningful and energizing? Self-management can offer you more balance, fulfillment, and even a sense of calling. But the first step? That starts with you.
Leave a Reply