BRAIN - creating a new, 21st century, organizational paradigm

[Gijs van Bilsen]

Hi and welcome to.. The BReathing AIN.

 

The BReathing AIN, or BRAIN, is a research group focused on creating a new organizational paradigm with improvisation. It started as an Open Space at the 2011 baltimore Conference and it's first step is to collect knowledge on how organizations use improv, although they might not call it improv. 

 

Included with this post are the starting documents we created before the Open Space session. As we are a breathing, evolving group, some of this is allready outdated (and that's the way we like it). They'll give you a great idea what this group is all about and what give more background on what improv in an organization can mean. Also, see the discussion going at this site before the open space session here.

 

Please join, collect and share. This group will grow and we need you to make it grow.

[Gijs van Bilsen]

In the Open Space we talked about some Dutch trends and companies that are an inspiration for the improvising organization.

 

One of them is Buurtzorg (Neighberhood-care). I enclosed an article that descripes how the company revolutionized Dutch healthcare. 

 

One of the leading Dutch authors in the field of new organisational models is Jaap Peters. I have a .pdf of his bestselling book - The Rhineland way and some translated pages of another book - Intensive peoplefarming. I have the author's permission to distribute it among those interested (leave a reply or send me a message).

 

A good English book is Freedom, Inc, which also has a blog here.

[Gemma Bulos]

Hi there!

I would love to have a copy of the translated materials. Just joining AIN now and exploring the site! Thanks for your work!

Gemma

[Vicki Crooks]

Hi BRAIN Friends,

 

I am writing a pre-dissertation paper on applied improvisation as an organizational paradigm (sound familiar?) I will be using some of the material mentioned on this site, but any other relevant academic sources that you could recommend would be appreciated. Thanks, Vicki

 

[Gijs van Bilsen]

Hi Vicki,

 

I've got lots of literature and ideas. If you'd like, call me (gijs.van.bilsen on Skype) and I'll see if I can help you along.

[Patricia Colley]

Another entry for our Trends info bucket...

 

Interesting blog posts by Dave Gray, founder of XPLANE visual thinking company, author of Gamestorming, and founder of Dachis Group, a "social business design" consultancy. 

 

First, an analysis of different organization metaphors, and what characteristics make an enduring company. 

http://communicationnation.blogspot.com/2011/02/connected-company.html

 

That discussion grew into a separate blog, "The Connected Company." Next post is about self-organizing "podular" team structures. It cites successes at 3M, Amazon, and in the US auto industry.  

http://connectedco.com/2011/05/03/give-pods-a-chance/

 

The reading list is quite meaty, especially the online sources. 

https://sites.google.com/site/theconnectedcompany/