Have you ever heard of a liberated business? This new organizational and management model is attracting more and more companies and offers them many advantages. However, when not set up properly, it quickly becomes limited. To understand the challenges faced by liberated companies, we suggest that you come back in detail to the definition of this concept and the benefits it brings. We'll also give you valuable tips on how to become a liberated business that works.
Definition of a liberated business
The liberated company was theorized by Isaac Getz and Brian M. Carney, in the book “Liberty & Co.: When the freedom of employees makes businesses successful”. It was published in 2009 in the United States and in 2012 in France. So we can say that it is a relatively recent concept.
The principle is to transform an organization in depth, in order to free employees, from their allow initiatives to be taken, of boost their skills. This is based on a climate of total trust and the full recognition of all employees.
In a liberated company, the conventional hierarchy is replaced by a much more horizontal structure, in which all employees, employees and managers, make decisions and manage themselves. There is no control or supervision per se, and everyone manages their tasks completely. standalone.
Advantages and disadvantages
Since the theorization of liberated companies and the establishment of this management system within certain organizations, studies have made it possible to assess its advantages and limitations.
The benefits of the transition to a liberated business
The liberated company allows employees to work independently and to organize themselves according to their own rhythm. That the empowers more, and pushes them to be more productive. By giving more meaning In addition to their mission, we realize that their performance is increasing, which is beneficial for the company.
The use ofcollective intelligence for decision making involves more thaninnovation. Indeed, it does not depend solely on research & development: the fact of pooling the ideas of all the actors in the company allows everyone to express all their creativity and therefore, to innovate.
Finally, collaborative work creates stronger relationships between employees. With this strengthened cohesion, they are increasingly involved and committed to their organization. The consequences are very positive on the retention rate, recruitment and the employer brand.
The limits of this new concept
One of the main limitations to the implementation of this new managerial organization is the change in mentality that this means for all members. Traditional French culture, in the world of work, is still very far removed from the founding principles of the liberated company. You could therefore be confronted with difficulties in accepting this new mode of operation on the part of employees.
It can also increase stress levels for some employees. Having more responsibilities all of a sudden can be a bad experience and lead to an excessive mental load. It is therefore important to set up a precise framework and to monitor the most fragile people in order to detect a possible increase in their stress level.
Becoming a liberated business: our advice
If you want to benefit from the advantages of transforming your organization into a liberated business, here are some tips.
Be gradual in the implementation
It is important not to change everything overnight, but rather to implement changes little by little. For example, you can gradually increase the autonomy of employees, while reducing the frequency of checks on their work. Thus, they will not be delivered to themselves overnight.
Anticipate a change in culture
Corporate culture is one of the essential factors for a successful transition to a liberated company. Once again, it is by going slowly that you will be able to obtain the approval of all employees.
Rethinking the place of leaders
The new role of managers and managers is also a key point to take into account. Indeed, their function must change radically, and it is important that they do not feel left out in the new organization. While defining everyone's goals and controlling them were part of their tasks, they are evolving towards coaching and supporting the autonomy of employees. The aim is to their Give enough confidence so that they are able to be efficient and creative in their work.
Implement solutions to support change
Some change management solutions are very effective in helping you become a liberated business.
For example, the company Xelya has chosen to set up Teamstarter within its organization. This crowdfunding platform allows all employees to assign a budget (that you define) to a project of their choice. It was itself carried out by one or more people who work for his company, and who will be responsible for setting it up once the budget has been reached.
This type of solution allows everyone to get involved in the projects that are most important to them, according to their values and interests. It also allows project leaders to create meaningful actions, in complete autonomy. It also makes it possible to create strong relationships between employees.
The liberated company has numerous advantages, both for organizations and for employees. However, for this change to work for everyone, it needs to be implemented slowly. This model can only work if the whole project is consistent. In particular, managers and directors must agree to offer more and more autonomy to all employees and to no longer be the only decision-makers in the organization. Solutions like Teamstarter can help you transform your company culture. Towards participatory management, nourished by collective intelligence.
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