SO HOW DO WE FORM HABITAT?
Forming habitat is a relatively simple, yet very deliberate process of adjusting systemic elements so they actively support people in being collaborative and purpose-driven. (This change does not disrupt existing workflows, but does immediately start supporting work in a better way, creating efficiencies and therefore creating opportunities to adjust workflows.)
I have identified 7 interconnected systemic values which together enable a highly functional Habitat. These values are enacted through typical systemic elements, such as set meeting agenda’s, induction and other process templates, information sets, review and tracking mechanisms, software platforms, etc. So yes, it is easy to implement, but it is also easy to underestimate their collective impact. The focus should not be on what each of these mechanisms are on their own, but on what they are carefully set up to do together.
An overview of the Habitat’s 7 systemic values:
1. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTS
Visual Information Environments (which hold and present information) are created and maintained to intuitively and consistently connect people to what they need to know.
2. PROCESS FUNCTION
All processes are not only created and maintained to clearly serve the collective purpose, but their purposeful functions are also known throughout the organisation.
3. VISIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Using visual tools, processes which serve the collective purpose are regularly made visible during standard group meetings. Accountability is used in these forums as a mechanism to enable support and group learning when needed.
4. DIRECTIONAL FOLLOW-THROUGH
‘Systemic markers’ are created to assist leaders in checking (and redirecting if needed) the alignment of actions with the central Habitat purpose.
5. THE TEAM
Each person in the habitat understands how their strengths and skills are valued, supported and developed in its contribution to the collective purpose.
6. INNOVATION
Constant incremental innovation is enabled with well-maintained review and implementation forums.
7. HABITAT MINDSET
A collaborative mindset is deliberately and continually cultivated with specific systemic triggers.
I have identified 7 interconnected systemic values which together enable a highly functional Habitat. These values are enacted through typical systemic elements, such as set meeting agenda’s, induction and other process templates, information sets, review and tracking mechanisms, software platforms, etc. So yes, it is easy to implement, but it is also easy to underestimate their collective impact. The focus should not be on what each of these mechanisms are on their own, but on what they are carefully set up to do together.
An overview of the Habitat’s 7 systemic values:
1. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTS
Visual Information Environments (which hold and present information) are created and maintained to intuitively and consistently connect people to what they need to know.
2. PROCESS FUNCTION
All processes are not only created and maintained to clearly serve the collective purpose, but their purposeful functions are also known throughout the organisation.
3. VISIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Using visual tools, processes which serve the collective purpose are regularly made visible during standard group meetings. Accountability is used in these forums as a mechanism to enable support and group learning when needed.
4. DIRECTIONAL FOLLOW-THROUGH
‘Systemic markers’ are created to assist leaders in checking (and redirecting if needed) the alignment of actions with the central Habitat purpose.
5. THE TEAM
Each person in the habitat understands how their strengths and skills are valued, supported and developed in its contribution to the collective purpose.
6. INNOVATION
Constant incremental innovation is enabled with well-maintained review and implementation forums.
7. HABITAT MINDSET
A collaborative mindset is deliberately and continually cultivated with specific systemic triggers.