Gary Hamel wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal about how "Generation F" - the Facebook generation - will change expectations in the workplace.
Here's his list of 12 characteristics of online life he believes will be applied to the work environment:
- All ideas compete on an equal footing.
- Contribution counts for more than credentials.
- Hierarchies are natural, not prescribed.
- Leaders serve rather than preside.
- Tasks are chosen, not assigned.
- Groups are self-defining and -organizing.
- Resources get attracted, not allocated.
- Power comes from sharing information, not hoarding it.
- Opinions compound and decisions are peer-reviewed.
- Users can veto most policy decisions.
- Intrinsic rewards matter most.
- Hackers are heroes.
I wonder if these will apply to the Church as well?
A great book that was ahead of its time that helps in understanding how leadership in the church and organzations will work in the future is Rober Greenleaf’s “The servant leader.”
The leader will be what he called the “primus inter pares” - first among equals
A lot of the tenants above are mentioned there. I think this is a positive shift too, it makes organizations rely on people operating in their sweet spot for the sake of the team. Thats good stuff
Much Love
Copper
Comment by Copper Nelms - Jun 17, 2009 @ 09:13 AM
:: legendary ::
since church strategy is 4-5 years behind, they will eventually adapt to those whom they are seeking to attract. not much science to it really… thanks for the post, really enjoyed reading this one.
Comment by ihatechurch - Jun 17, 2009 @ 12:28 PM
As one who is closing in on 38 I have to ask….does Facebook create this generation or is Facebook a hit because of the current generation? I’m overseas with a pretty traditional mission organization…yet I write/contribute to 6 different blogs, Twitter, and Facebook….and it’s changed the way I think about things. I now find myself a misfit and a “heretic” not because I challenge theology but because I challenge ideas and practices. At least I’m not alone!
Comment by Grady Bauer - Jun 17, 2009 @ 02:25 PM
Many of these 12 characteristics are manifesting at my current company. In my humble opinion and experience, these characteristics do not translate well toward efficient execution of the business objectives.
Comment by David Manning - Jun 18, 2009 @ 07:31 PM
It is very intersting concept as a leader in a church that is primarily in the younger generation. Some of the concepts that are key to understanding this generation are positive. I often feel like Grady within my denominational circles because we are willing to move with the culture in how what we do eventhough it has not changed what we are doing. I also have to agree with David that some of these concepts are extremely inefficient in accomplishing objectives. The problem lies in concepts that tasks will be chosen, yet too few people want to choose the task that really makes it happen. You know the behind the scenes, down in the dirt task. The church is going to have to be willing to be an influence in this generation and not just follow it. As it is needed to in every generation.
Comment by Kirk Jones - Jul 01, 2009 @ 03:02 PM
Kirk wrote: “The problem lies in concepts that tasks will be chosen, yet too few people want to choose the task that really makes it happen. You know the behind the scenes, down in the dirt task.”
Amen brother! The “12” above relate to a business context. In business, decisions need to be made and stuff has gotta get done! Business is not a democracy - even in those that believe in employee “empowerment”.
I would also submit for consideration that faith communities are not democracies. Pastors, teachers and elders exist for a reason; in part, to make prayerful decisions and guide the church under the authority of our ultimate Head, who is Jesus Christ our Lord. See 1 Peter 5:5 and yes… on balance 1 Pt 5:3
Comment by David Manning - Jul 01, 2009 @ 09:04 PM