#101: Interdependence.

At first glance, the concept seems to have limited applications–family life and global trade/geopolitics being, perhaps, the most obvious examples. But widening the frame offers a more enriching and profitable view when considering work life within professional services practices.

Natural hierarchies often obscure the opportunity to see beyond job descriptions. The tendency is to rely on permission structures and operating procedures in order to stay safe. Pervasive fear, apathy, stagnation, and muted work are the results.

In contrast, leaning in to the areas in which team members are encouraged and empowered to make decisions creates a form of kinetic interdependence throughout the organization. Knowing that others are depending on your best work because you own it and understand its importance raises the bar all around.

Getting to this point takes deliberate effort on the part of leaders to create an environment that reveals individual ways of thinking and designs safeguards that absorb and, thus, welcome failure.

The dividends of this investment present as a beautiful cascade: more interesting work at every level of the company → an engaged team that feels valued and trusted (often the most important factor for people) → far less turnover → work products that compound in quality and cohesion over time → clients that notice the difference and become more sticky even at high price points.