Vitaly Geyman had a great conversation with us several months ago that we called “The Organization is not a Machine; It is a Person”. We explored the traditional view and practice that led to the organizations being treated like a machine. Machines are meant to be programmed, streamlined, and optimized. Efficiency and predictability are the core principles. Management’s key responsibility is the machine’s design and programming while the employees’ role is to contribute their efforts according to the machine’s design.

Vitaly suggested a wider perspective where we view the organization as a living system. We see that it operates in the context of an ecosystem of interdependent entities working together for the good of the whole. We see how it can learn and adapt to its environment. Going beyond a living system perspective and viewing it as a living being shifts our focus and opens up new possibilities. We see it as a creative force contributing to our world. We see it as one who can learn and adopt, sense and respond. We see it as a living person with a soul, a heart and a personality to be nurtured and developed. We help it grow in capability and maturity so that it can reach its fullest potential.

In this conversation we explore how he works with clients. As a business strategist myself, I recognize the power of his approach: To learn the past, present, and future story that is being told by the leaders and the prevailing culture and then to integrate this story into the operational fabric of the organization. Stories create alignment if especially if you allow your people to contribute to the story. The chapters of innovation that could be written and released may change the world.

Enjoy the conversation.