The Age of the Self-Managed Organization
Doug Kirkpatrick

Is it possible to create self-managed, self-organizing workplaces with no human bosses, no designated managers, no titles, no hierarchy, no command authority, no visible structure, and no position power? If such work environments existed, could they be successful? What would such workplaces look like? Is it possible to organize an entire enterprise solely around shared principles of freedom and accountability, based on mission, vision, values, and a culture of learning? What role do business processes play in structuring the work of such organizations?

The talk will explore the stories and lessons of vanguard companies from around the world as they unleash the power of organizational self-management. The human-centric and process-centric workplaces of the future will transcend industrial-age organizational thinking to create space for shared leadership, innovation and creativity on the part of every stakeholder.

Topics:

• Creating a Highly Agile, Scalable Enterprise (Without Needing Bosses)
• Slashing the Cost of Management, the Least Efficient Activity
• Vital Power Questions for Organizational Leaders

Self-Management Requires Great Processes
Sasha Aganova

When an organization is self-managed, it is free to choose the best structure to operate within, instead of simply adhering to more traditional siloed departmental structures. The result is that self-managed organizations can come in many different forms.  One unifying aspect emerges across all self-managed organizations, however. This is a focus on work process, and a shared view of the business as a value chain connected from end to end with strong customer orientation. Self-managed organizations structure themselves around the work being performed, whether human or digital. They meticulously and collaboratively define the optimal processes for work, discuss it, agree to it and communicate it. Process management establishes the common language by which various teams operate and communicate.
In this session, Sasha will provide real life examples of how self-managed companies operate, and in particular how they manage the work through process management.

Topics

• Learn the essence of end to end value process management as can be applied in any organization
• Understand how some self-managed organizations operate and make decisions
• Review how processes are documented and communicated across teams
• Develop an appreciation for how process management is critical for self-managed organizations to thrive