Fluid organisations are here, there, and everywhere today and that is good news because these offer you an quick escape from our "clown world" [see photo]. What is the core of a fluid organisation? These organisations value individuals. At the core these organisations avoid taking decisions that lead to "groupthink".
Fluid organisations will continue to thrive due to the dismantling of the global economy that supported vertical integration. For example, just-in-time management system [JIT] haved thrived since the 1990s because they can reduce inventory stocks to a minimum due to integrated global supply chains. But changes in the past two years [Covid-19, economic disruptions due to lock-downs, a war in Ukraine, a punitive sanctions regime imposed on Russia and the rouble, etc] have unbundled the global economy as we have known it since the close of the last Century. All these changes have shifted consumer demand and supply systems rather dramatically [for instance home delivery of fast food, vegetables, and groceries which is a return to the supply chain models of the 1950s].
Fluid organisations are able to move from one industry to another in the blink of your eyes. These organisation exist inside the gaps that are appearing in the global economy as the old systems falter and decompress. Most fluid organisations use apps to market, sell, deliver, and provide maintenance to consumers based on the Internet. These apps enable swift upgrades to, and changes of, the offerings by small and nimble entities. Clearly this is the space that will embrace you and your talent as an individual. But if you want to play in this new economy you must become a "talented generalist" who is willing to adapt to the changing needs and wants of consumers and employers. One way into this space is to attach yourself to any new revenue stream that makes economic sense to you. This could prove to be a "fail safe" strategy for you because if your choice of revenue stream begins to falter, or fade, in the face of inflation or deflation then you will have developed the mindset required to move quickly to better pastures.
Fluid organisations are dynamic, light, and always on the move. Of course this is no place for those who thrive in the "hurly burly" of organisational politics. Naturally those who have gained their power, status, influence, and wealth from their "political skills"will continue to thrive even as their structural base implodes. But... One thing that separates the fluid organisation from the traditional rigid system is the notable absence of political congestion. This is possible because these new fluid organisations form what I refer to as a "culture of one". Opposed to them in the modern marketplace are organisations that strive to form a "culture of many"- The core of the "culture of one" is the individual and the core of the "culture of many" is the group.
Follow the new money flows and you can find your work purpose in one of the fluid organisations that are emerging to serve you as a talented worker and also as an informed consumer. The future is bright for those of you who can find your way into the flow of these new fluid organisations.
Richard.
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