That's Not How We Do It Here!
John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber
19 min
6 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore the dynamics of organizational structure and change through an engaging fable, learning how to adapt, innovate, and succeed in ever-changing environments.
You'll learn
1. Why being flexible and creative matters in a company2. Tips for handling changes in your team3. Finding the sweet spot between solo work and teamwork4. How bosses can make a company culture rock5. Beating the odds and overcoming hurdles at work6. Bouncing back after a setback in your company.Key points
01What's the Meerkat Clan's Drought All About?
In the heart of the Kalahari Desert, a clan of meerkats thrives, living a life dictated by tradition and hierarchy. Their world is ordered, predictable, and comfortable. Each meerkat knows its role, and the rules are clear. But then, a severe drought hits, threatening their very existence. This tale, as told in "That's Not How We Do It Here!" by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber, is not just about meerkats. It's a metaphor for organizations and how they respond to change. The meerkat clan's traditional way of life mirrors that of many organizations. There's a set hierarchy, with the elder meerkats at the top, making decisions and setting the rules. The younger meerkats follow these rules, knowing their place in the clan. This structure provides a sense of security and comfort, much like the established routines and structures in organizations. Everyone knows their role, and there's a predictable rhythm to life. But then, the drought hits. The once plentiful food supply dwindles, and the meerkats' way of life is disrupted. This is akin to a crisis or significant change in the business environment. It could be a new competitor, a technological advancement, or a global pandemic. These disruptions shake the status quo, threatening the comfort and security of the established order. The drought poses a serious threat to the meerkat clan's survival. Their food supply is dwindling, and if they don't find a new way to survive, they could perish. This is the same threat faced by organizations that fail to adapt to change. If they stick to their old ways, refusing to evolve, they risk becoming obsolete, losing market share, or even going out of business. Initially, the meerkat clan resists change. They cling to their old ways, hoping the drought will pass and things will go back to normal. This is a common reaction in organizations too. Change is uncomfortable and scary. It threatens the status quo and forces people out of their comfort zones. So, they resist, hoping to preserve the familiar. But the meerkat clan soon realizes that they need to adapt to survive. They need to find new ways to find food and conserve water. Similarly, organizations need to adapt their strategies, structures, and processes in response to change. They need to innovate, take risks, and embrace new ways of doing things. This adaptation can lead to survival and growth. It can open up new opportunities, create competitive advantages, and ensure long-term success. The story of the meerkat clan serves as a cautionary tale for organizations. It highlights the dangers of clinging to tradition in the face of change and the importance of adaptation for survival. So, when the drought hits, whether it's a literal drought or a metaphorical one, remember the meerkat clan. Embrace change, adapt, and thrive. Because that's how we do it here.
02Embracing Change: The Adventurous Meerkat Clan's Approach to Innovation
In the heart of the Kalahari Desert, a clan of meerkats thrives, not just surviving, but flourishing in an environment that is as harsh as it is unpredictable. Their secret? An adventurous spirit, a willingness to adapt, and an openness to new ideas. The meerkat clan's adventurous nature and adaptability are their survival tools. They are always on the move, exploring new territories, and adapting to changing conditions. They don't resist change; they embrace it. This adaptability is not just a survival strategy; it's a way of life. Similarly, in the business world, organizations that are adaptable are the ones that thrive. They are the ones that can navigate the turbulent waters of market changes, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. They are the ones that can turn challenges into opportunities. For instance, Netflix, once a DVD rental service, adapted to the digital age and transformed into a streaming giant, leaving its competitors in the dust. The meerkat clan is also always open to new ideas. They are constantly looking for ways to improve their survival strategies. They don't cling to old ways just because they've always done things that way. They are willing to try new things, to experiment, to innovate. This is a trait that innovative organizations share. They foster a culture where new ideas are welcomed, not shunned. They understand that innovation is the lifeblood of a successful organization. Companies like Google, for example, encourage their employees to spend 20% of their time on side projects, leading to innovative products like Gmail and Google News. Risk-taking is another trait that the meerkat clan and innovative organizations share. The meerkats are willing to take risks, to venture into unknown territories, to try new things, even if they might fail. They understand that without risk, there can be no reward. Similarly, organizations that want to innovate must be willing to take calculated risks. They must be willing to invest in new ideas, even if there's a chance they might not work out. Amazon, for example, took a huge risk when it decided to venture into cloud computing with AWS. Today, AWS is a major profit driver for Amazon and has revolutionized the tech industry. Finally, the meerkat clan is committed to continuous improvement. They are always looking for ways to do things better, to improve their survival strategies. They don't rest on their laurels; they strive for excellence. This is a trait that successful organizations share. They understand that in a rapidly changing world, standing still is the fastest way to fall behind. They are committed to continuous improvement, to always striving to be better. Toyota, for example, is known for its commitment to continuous improvement, or "kaizen", which has helped it maintain its position as a leading automaker. In conclusion, the adventurous meerkat clan's approach to life offers valuable lessons for organizations. Adaptability, openness to new ideas, risk-taking, and continuous improvement are not just survival strategies for a clan of meerkats in the Kalahari Desert; they are the keys to innovation and long-term success in the business world. So, let's take a leaf out of the meerkat clan's book and embrace these traits in our organizations. After all, if a clan of meerkats can thrive in the harsh Kalahari Desert, imagine what our organizations can achieve with the right approach to innovation.
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03Clash of Cultures: The Challenges of Organizational Change
04The Role of Leadership in Managing Change
05Learning from Mistakes: A Guide to Adaptation and Resilience
06Conclusion
About John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber
John Kotter is a renowned leadership and change management expert, Harvard Business School professor, and author. Holger Rathgeber is a former corporate executive and co-author with Kotter, known for using storytelling to convey complex business concepts.