  Articles Making
Successful Transitions
| Capacities
for Transformation in the 21st Century | What are Pyramids for? In our own work and in work
with clients, we have found that the pyramid (the tetrahedron) serves
several useful purposes in addition to being a fractal model for
mapping complex relationships: It is an aid to systems thinking:
It maps our thinking into a coherent whole and enhances our ability
to see patterns and relationships, as well as a sense of the larger,
holistic system. It complements causal loop diagrams that are part
of systems dynamics. Boeing Center for Leadership and Learning developed
one of their management development programs after clarifying their
shared understanding by building a pyramid.It helped them to understand
the Boeing environment as a whole as represented through their collective
knowledge. ·The pyramid as a tool
for analysis and integration: This is a mechanism for us to begin
to understand and explore organizational dynamics in a non-linear
model. It allows us to conceptualize and organize variables in dynamic
relationship to each other. We can examine relationships between
two, three and four variables and explore the implications for all
of them. Mastek, Pacific Bell and Xerox have used the pyramid to
analyze their options and shared visions to come up with a collective
strategy, mission and future plans. While designing the pyramid,
the team members could understand the team dynamics, fears, hidden
agendas as well as assess the chances for success for their collective
vision. The pyramid as stimulus to
conversation: People who were involved in designing a pyramid develop
a shared language and shared meaning among themselves. During the
pyramid building process, they engage in sharing not from their
heads but also from their hearts. If facilitated well, it supports
a deeper dialogue that examines beliefs, assumptions and values
of the participants and creates a shared understanding represented
by the pyramid. So different people describe the pyramid differently
and hence the pyramid allows for a variety of perspectives to emerge
without conflict or contradiction. In that respect, the pyramid
is a tool for managing differences and polarities. A training group
in Ford used the pyramid as a means to bring clarity among the team
members regarding their mission, training design. ·The pyramid as a guide to action: The analysis of the relationships among variables in the pyramid provides a foundation for decision-making and action planning that is based on a deeper level of integration than is usual in many organizations. A software company in India, Mastek is using its Mastek pyramid in risk management, strategic planning, team member selection for project teams and situation assessment. |
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