The engine that moved the developed world from poverty at the beginning of the century
to the extraordinary standard of living we currently enjoy was the so-called “modern
organization.” Hierarchical, control-dominated and ideally suited to a slowly unfolding
world (built to last) it may have been, but it created unprecedented wealth. The dilemma?
Breakthrough technology, uncertainty, the increasing speed of change and the redefinition
of “work” demand an organization that is a fit for the 21st century (built to change).
We are describing not just a better but a very different kind of way to operate. An organization
where disruption, agility and speed of learning dominate the leadership conversation – one
that redefines what it means to be a leader – one that demands a more robust process to
identify and develop future leaders.
John O. Burdett is founder of Orxestra® Inc. He has extensive international experience as a senior executive. As a consultant he has worked in more than 40 countries for organisations that are household names. John has worked on organisation culture for some of the world’s largest organisations. His ongoing partnership with TRANSEARCH International means that his thought leading intellectual property, in any one year, supports talent management in many hundreds of organisations around the world.
