Equal Power

Laloux quotes Gary Hamel’s observations about how power and authority work in a well-known, self-managed organization called ‘Morning Star’. He explains how Morning Star is a collection of naturally dynamic hierarchies. So rather than having one formal hierarchy, there are many informal ones. This means that depending on the issue, some colleagues will have more of a voice than others depending on their level of expertise, and their willingness to get involved:

These are hierarchies of influence, not position, and they’re built from the bottom up. At Morning Star one accumulates authority by demonstrating expertise, helping peers, and adding value. Stop doing those things, and your influence wanes – as will your pay.