Working together

By Eugenio, on August 7th, 2009

Communication needs a compelling reason for becoming operational.

However, this does not grant the planned results, if the acting person does not share the same concept.

Larger and deeper is the cultural distance between who gives the order and who has to perform it; more difficult is the transformation of what sounds a neat and actionable idea into a fact that fits into the plan. There is an excellent series about it on projectsatwork.

Finding a common reason

On a short term, a cynical approach could work. “I do not care what you feel; I just consider the results of your actions”. It is a quite myopic viewpoint based on the expectation that the results of people’s actions would go in the wanted direction.

“Multiplicity in council, uniqueness in command”

This phrase was ascribed to Cyrus the Great. As leaders, it is fundamental to find a reason (both logical and emotional) that can justify the uniqueness and then the priority of the taken decision. This has to be actuated unleashing the energy of each person.

In the Western culture, the idea of a “final cause” had been challenged, at the beginning from scientific reasons, since the Renaissance. In the last century, this had involved almost everyone. In this way, our societies are based on a “social contract”, every person should have the right of expressing him/herself within the established rules set for making easier an organized common life.

I am just proposing a reading of the Aristotle’s “Four Causes” from a management viewpoint.

Material cause

They are the resources with their capabilities. Like a sculptor working with wood, it is essential to find the force of wind, the preciousness of water, the warmth of sun, if you want to take way everything that hides the form.

It is the same with people, their personalities, the rules of the organization they belong to; everything shall be understood and valued for making the collaboration possible.

Formal cause

It is the idea that sustains the existence of plan. “Plans are useless, planning is essential” said an American general. Plans are for the future, they cannot modify it. However, any work needs guidelines, timetables, references, measures. In the end, it is a clear and shareable definition of “done”.

Efficient cause

Just working together for the:

Final cause

It is the target built by the good leadership. In other words, the “natural” end of all efforts. It shall be only one “final cause”; however, the benefits shall be as many as the stakeholders.