Introducing the Quintessence Series: A Journey Through Change

Welcome to the first post in a series that explores the rich tapestry of memes presented in the book “Quintessence”. This series will delve into each meme in turn, shedding light on the collective assumptions, beliefs, and practices that make quintessential organisations thrive.

For those familiar with my previous work, “Memeology”, you’ll know that memes play a significant role in shaping the culture and effectiveness of technology organisations, particularly Digital organisations. “Quintessence” builds on that foundation, exploring the broad sweep of collective beliefs held by the most highly effective tech organisations.

Change: Positive Disruption

Quintessential organisations regard change as their friend and companion through life. The embrace of change isn’t just a theoretical concept; it’s a living, breathing part of how these organisations function.

The quintessential view of change is encapsulated beautifully by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (paraphrased): “Change is a companion who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again.”

Key Attitudes Towards Change

• Change is exciting and energising.
• The organisation structures itself to best accommodate change.
• Innovation is sought from change.
• New hires are sought who understand the upside of constant change.
• Change is embraced and provoked at every turn.
• The process of change is about creation, not imposition.

These attitudes reveal an organisation that doesn’t just react to change but actively seeks it out. Change becomes a tool for staying ahead of the competition and finding the “sweet spots” of markets.

Margaret Wheatley and Myron Kellner-Rogers express a related idea in “A Simpler Way”: Systems insist on exercising their creativity, and resistance to change often comes from being treated as non-living rather than embracing the system’s right to create itself.

Conclusion

Change isn’t a force to be feared; it’s an opportunity to be embraced. The quintessential mindset sees change as a companion on a journey, a catalyst for innovation, and a call to creative integrity.

Join us as we continue to explore more memes in this upcoming series. If you find these ideas intriguing, dive deeper into the topic with the book “Quintessence”, where we take an in-depth look at the quintessential mindset and its transformative impact on technology organisations.

Keep a look out for more posts in this series. Or subcribe to my blog!

Further Reading

Wheatley, M.J. and Kellner-Rogers, M. (2003). A Simpler Way. Berrett-Koehler

Marshall, R.W. (2021). Quintessence: An Acme for Software Development Organisations. [online] leanpub.com. Falling Blossoms (LeanPub). Available at: https://leanpub.com/quintessence/ [Accessed 23 August 2022].