Friction by Design: Why Your Org Chart Might Be the Real Problem with Herman Vantrappen

In this **bonus** episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Amy Springer welcomes James Davis from The TSP Advisory to discuss the evolving roles and responsibilities within the Technology Services industry. James shares insights on the transformation of Managed Services Providers (MSPs), Systems Integrators (SIs), and Value Added Resellers (VARs) as they adapt to new business models and client needs. He emphasizes the importance of organizational design in navigating growth challenges and optimizing team structures. The conversation highlights the distinct characteristics of each model, the necessity for clear roles and responsibilities, and the financial metrics that guide successful operations. James also addresses common pain points that organizations face during periods of change and the value of a strategic, top-down approach to org design. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to foster a healthy organizational culture by aligning team structures with business objectives, ultimately leading to improved performance and profitability. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking discussions on the future of organizational design in the TSP industry. The TSP Advisory https://thetspadvisory.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCnUB-fI2ePSlLCwpLaalNUg https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-tsp-advisory/ https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tsp-advice/id1804239948 https://www.linkedin.com/company/thetspadvisory/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/ Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/0Xw3bbEISDbSDO5WT8O7bu?si=1b35ee795fa84531 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/org-design-podcast/id1501527726

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Andreas Wenger, a partner at Transforma Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of organizational design. Andreas shares his journey into the field, highlighting how his academic background in organization science laid the foundation for his practical consulting experience. He emphasizes the critical importance of aligning organizational structures with the evolving needs of clients, particularly in complex environments. Andreas recounts a compelling case study involving a care institution that successfully transformed its organizational structure to better serve its changing demographic, navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He illustrates how effective organization design can empower teams at all levels, enabling them to make decisions closer to the operational front lines. The conversation also delves into the common pitfalls of poor organizational design, the need for leaders to develop conviction around change initiatives, and the vital role of time in implementing successful transformations. Andreas encourages leaders to view organization as more than just charts and structures, advocating for a holistic approach that fosters collaboration and innovation. Join us for this insightful discussion on how to build resilient organizations and navigate the complexities of change.

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Damian Bramanis welcome Liz Ferguson from Wiley's research publishing group. Liz shares her journey into organizational design, which began unexpectedly as she took on a new leadership role managing a large team. Faced with the challenge of restructuring to better align with industry changes, she sought external expertise to guide the process. Liz discusses the importance of understanding the unique needs of her organization and how collaborative workshops helped identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Throughout the conversation, Liz emphasizes the value of being open-minded as a leader and involving team members in the change process. She reflects on the challenges of balancing strategy with the human side of organizational change, advocating for gradual engagement over abrupt transitions. This episode highlights the continuous evolution of organizations and the need for leaders to adapt their structures to meet changing market demands.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Valdes-Dapena, a seasoned expert in organizational design and development. Carlos shares his insights on the evolving nature of organizational structures, the importance of adaptability in leadership, and the human aspects of organizational change.Carlos discusses the shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more responsive and adaptive organizational models. He emphasizes the need for leaders to let go of outdated control paradigms and embrace a more flexible approach to management. The conversation touches on the challenges of change, both for organizations and individuals, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.Key points from the episode:The transition from control-based to responsive organizational structuresThe importance of adaptability and "letting go" for leaders in modern organizationsThe human challenges in organizational change and the need for continuous learningInsights into the Organization Design Forum (ODF) and its role in the field of organizational designThe broad scope of organizational design, encompassing various aspects of how human systems operate in workplacesThis episode offers valuable insights for leaders, managers, and anyone interested in improving organizational effectiveness and navigating the complexities of modern business environments.Support the show

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, host Tim Brewer welcomes Herman Vantrappen, a seasoned management consultant and author, to discuss the intricacies of organizational design. Herman shares his journey into the field, beginning with his early experiences in management consulting at Arthur D. Little. He emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive framework for organizational design that allows for nuanced debates among executives, as well as the need for leaders to take ownership of redesign processes. Herman highlights the common pitfalls in organizational design, such as design faults that lead to unnecessary tensions and conflicts within organizations. He explains how these tensions often escalate to the CEO, diverting their attention from strategic leadership to operational issues. Herman advocates for a more robust approach to organizational design that not only addresses current challenges but also fosters an environment that minimizes friction and enhances agility. Throughout the conversation, Herman discusses the core themes of his recent book, "The Organization Design Guide," co-authored with Frederic Wirtz, which aims to provide leaders with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of organizational change successfully. The episode is packed with practical advice for CEOs and managers looking to improve their organization's design and effectiveness. Join us for an insightful discussion that challenges conventional thinking about leadership and organizational structure, encouraging leaders to consider the broader implications of their design choices on overall organizational health.

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Abby Allen, an organizational development practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Abby shares her insights on the evolving nature of organizational design, emphasizing the importance of understanding both people and systems in order to foster effective collaboration within organizations. The discussion covers the impact of artificial intelligence on organizational structures, the challenges of leading large organizations, and the necessity of having a systems-oriented approach to solve complex problems. Abby highlights the significance of asking the right questions to uncover underlying issues within organizations, rather than merely focusing on surface-level solutions. She encourages leaders to embrace collaboration, not just as a function, but as a culture within their teams. Throughout the conversation, Abby shares practical advice for those looking to build organizational design capabilities within their companies, stressing the need for an open-minded and generative approach to leadership. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the challenges of organizational design in today's fast-paced environment and learn how to create healthier, more adaptable organizations.

In this insightful episode of the Org Design Podcast, Amy Springer and Rory Mustan from Functionly are joined by Nicole Gee from Geenius Consulting to explore the nuanced journey of organizational design. Nicole candidly shares her early struggles in org design, emphasizing the pivotal role of confidence and clarity. She highlights that successful organizational change requires leaders to deeply understand the strategic 'why' behind decisions and thoughtfully manage the emotional impacts on their teams. Listeners will gain valuable insights on: How Nicole overcame initial setbacks by embracing continuous learning and feedback. The critical balance between strategy and empathy, ensuring that people are always central to org design. Practical steps for leaders to confidently and transparently guide their teams through complex changes. The importance of clearly articulating challenges, required capabilities, and roles early in the process. Why active listening and informal conversations can be powerful tools for leaders anticipating organizational shifts. This episode emphasizes that effective org design goes beyond structural changes—it's about building confidence, clarity, and genuine engagement throughout the process. Connect with Nicole Gee on LinkedIn or at geeniusconsulting.co.uk.

Join us on the Org Design Podcast as we dive into a captivating conversation with Ramona Elena Curciu, Head of Coherence, live from the EODF conference in Milan. In this episode, we explore the essence of org design, the journey from personal challenges to professional triumphs, and the importance of approaching organizational change with humility and respect. Ramona shares her unique insights on balancing the heart and tools in org design, emphasizing the need to honor the past while fostering growth. As hosts, we delve into the mindset required for effective org design, drawing parallels with design research principles. Tune in to discover how compassion and curiosity can transform organizational landscapes. If you're curious about org design or seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Ramona on LinkedIn and share your thoughts with us.

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer welcome Amri B. Johnson from Inclusion Wins. Amri shares his journey into organizational design, revealing how his background as an epidemiologist shaped his understanding of leadership and management. He discusses the importance of creating organizational structures that foster emergent strategies, emphasizing that "structure creates behavior." Amri highlights the common pitfalls organizations face when trying to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, noting that many fail to align their strategies with their stated goals. He argues for a shift in perspective: DEI should not be seen as a separate initiative but as integral to the organization's fabric. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of including team members in the decision-making process and the need for leaders to develop robust listening skills to build adaptive organizations. This conversation aims to equip leaders with the tools to create inclusive environments that allow all individuals to thrive, ultimately driving better organizational outcomes. Tune in to learn how to design organizations that are not only effective but also resilient and inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, Tim Brewer and Amy Springer sit down with Dallin Whitfield, a volunteer at the Org Design Festival and an expert in organizational design. Dallin shares his unconventional journey from aspiring lawyer to becoming an organization design consultant, highlighting the importance of understanding systems and people in the workplace. They discuss the evolving nature of organizational design, emphasizing the need for adaptability in response to external pressures like technological advancements and market changes. Dallin explains how Align Org, his current consultancy, focuses on collaboration and leveraging existing organizational knowledge to drive effective design processes. Listeners will gain insights into the methodologies used in organizational design, including the "Mastering the Cube" framework, which Dallin uses to guide organizations through strategic alignment and structural changes. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by organizations in today’s fast-paced environment and the importance of continuous design governance. Join us for an engaging discussion on how to navigate the complexities of organization design and build better workplaces.