What is going on at work? A members' call with Morten Elvang

Summary

In this engaging discussion on organizational transformation, experts highlight the challenges of aligning strategy within large companies and emphasize the importance of a middle-out approach. By encouraging open dialogue and reconciling different perspectives, organizations can harness grassroots innovation while navigating bureaucratic obstacles. The concept of a 'black market for common sense' illustrates how employees find solutions outside formal structures, showcasing the need for organizations to recognize and support these informal efforts. Overall, the conversation advocates for collaboration and strategic clarity as keys to successful digital transformation.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Digital transformation faces challenges due to unclear strategies and objectives, impacting project execution.
• 📈 The Scaled Agile Framework can help organizations better align their financial objectives with transformation efforts.
• 🔄 A middle-out approach is advocated for transformation, combining elements of top-down and bottom-up strategies.
• 🗣️ Engaging employees in conversations about existing strategies is crucial for fostering alignment and clarity.
• 🌍 Recognizing the 'black market of common sense' highlights how employees navigate bureaucracy to achieve results.
• 🔍 It is essential to identify and discuss the informal processes that allow people to succeed outside formal structures.
• 💬 Open dialogue about strategy and operational realities can reveal effective practices that enhance organizational performance.
• ⚖️ The shift in focus from teamwork and dependencies to broader objectives is necessary for successful transformation.
• 🧠 Creative problem-solving and resourcefulness are vital traits in organizations facing bureaucratic challenges.
• 🤝 Continuous conversation and collaboration are encouraged to maintain momentum in transformation initiatives.

Q & A

What is the main challenge organizations face in digital transformation, as discussed in the transcript?

Organizations often struggle to align their strategic objectives with actionable plans, making it difficult to execute digital projects effectively.

What approach does Mortin advocate for implementing transformation within organizations?

Mortin advocates for a 'middle-out' approach, which involves engaging in conversations that shape strategy rather than relying solely on top-down or bottom-up methods.

How does Mortin define the 'black market of common sense'?

The 'black market of common sense' refers to the unofficial ways employees find to accomplish tasks despite bureaucratic obstacles, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills.

What role does communication play in successful agile transformations?

Open communication and collaboration among team members are essential for aligning goals, sharing insights, and fostering a culture that supports agile initiatives.

Why does Mortin believe it is important to identify and learn from the black market practices?

Recognizing and learning from these informal practices can reveal effective strategies and insights into how work can be done more efficiently, helping organizations adapt their formal processes.

What are some consequences of failing to connect strategy with execution in digital projects?

Failure to connect strategy with execution can lead to confusion, misalignment among teams, and ultimately, unsuccessful digital transformation initiatives.

How does the scaled agile framework relate to the topics discussed?

The scaled agile framework is mentioned as a basis for discussing how organizations can plan and reconcile their strategies without getting bogged down in bureaucratic processes.

What is the importance of reconciliation in the context of organizational strategy?

Reconciliation helps organizations assess whether their current strategies align with their goals and allows for adjustments based on emerging ideas and feedback.

How does Mortin suggest starting the conversation around strategy within an organization?

Mortin suggests initiating conversations about strategy by encouraging employees to share their perspectives and experiences, fostering a collective understanding of the organization's direction.

What was the outcome of Mortin's presentation, according to the transcript?

Mortin successfully condensed complex ideas into a comprehensible format, encouraging further discussion and collaboration on agile transformation within organizations.