In complex projects, open space project spaces are a must. I realize this is probably the case in most instances where complex situations have to be managed. To the point where actually, if the space is poorly adapted, performance will certainly lag.
It is the experience told by General McChrystal in his highly recommended book ‘Team of Teams‘, which I will certainly comment in quite a few future posts as I believe that it is quite a fundamental book for the organization of the future.
In the book he explains the extreme organizational transformation that his special forces command had to undergo in order to be able to respond to a complex insurgency situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The most fundamental transformation was to create a command center as an open space, with representatives of all relevant agencies and sections of the military, where open communication was promoted. It was a revolutionary move in an organization pervaded by a culture of secret and segregation of knowledge, but it worked.
What amazed me again in his description is how organizing the physical space (prolonged by a virtual space with participation of geographically removed contributors) was really the one transformation that made the change.
When I talk to clients that want to tackle complex problems, I now ask first about the type of office building. If it’s old-fashioned with closed offices and cubicles that reach the ceiling, I know we’re up for disaster.
What about your office space?
