Towards the holistic company

It is only right that my first entry should explain a little about what is meant by 'towards the holistic company'.

The format of the company is already becoming increasingly fluid. The command and control model that dominated the western /developed world throughout the 20th Century is giving way to new forms. Ironically, the return is often to old forms - where there was virtually no separation between work and leisure. Peoples' identity and self-worth was based on a skill or craft or calling. The concept of the artisan was key. The work had meaning and therefore 'success' was self-defined - I am the work I do. And, of course, this is how most family names were derived; carpenter, taylor, smith. There was tradition and continuity. Pride in ones work and Success were closely linked.

The factory system mantra of production efficiency and cost reduction stripped away the need for the artisan. However, people are changing their level of awareness and a desire to do meaninful work (rather than simply following instructions) is creating a new wave of 'artisan workers'.


The successful companies of coming century will be those that adapt to the needs of these new 'artisan workers' - the people who create value. To attract the people who will add the greatest value, companies will need to be more attractive. The currency of attractiveness will be meaning. The question will be ' do I believe in what this company is trying to achieve - does it have meaning for me?'

This, in essence, is what holism suggests and paraphrased as 'the output being greater than the sum of the individual inputs'. In this context, Meaning is the underlying energy/information that motivates Thought and Action. And it is the alignment of all three that drives the evolution process forward - as it creates a spiralling feedback loop.

But Meaning needs to be set in context to be effective. Awareness defines 'the game' and Meaning is, therefore, dependent on the game. A change in Awareness can lead to a new vision, a redefining or re-imagining of the future.

An holistic company is therefore one which creates; a format, a forum, an organisation, a collective, etc., that allows people to create value/do work, through thought and action within the frame of a common purpose that has meaning, deep meaning. The Meaning is a function of the envisioned future.

So, the companies that understand that the game has changed and move towards an holistic approach, will be the ones most likely to be successful in the years to come.