Hello from Stockholm!

I am a speaker at the 10x Founders VC Summit here this week.

I can’t wait to share the topic I’ll be speaking about in a future newsletter.

For today, though, let’s explore how I design organizational models with leaders.

Context

Choosing your organizational model is one of the most important choices you need to get right as a leader.

The best organizational structure:

→ empowers your people,

→ aligns with your core values,

→ enables you to achieve your strategic objectives.

Unfortunately, there is no magic model that fits every organization.

The fastest way to find your dream model:

1. Study top-of-class organizational models.

2. Brainstorm with a coach and your leadership team.

3. Iterate, listen, and learn.

I fast-track ‘Step 1’ by introducing the five types of organizational models — a framework designed and explored by Frederic Laloux in his groundbreaking book Reinventing Organizations.

Framework: The Five Organisational Models

1. POWER CENTRIC (red)

→ Power-oriented, led by a strong leader.

Suited For: Situations needing quick, decisive leadership, like startups in their early chaotic stage or small businesses in highly competitive environments.

2. HIERARCHY (amber)

→ Highly structured and hierarchical, with clear roles and top-down leadership.

Suited For: Traditional corporations, government agencies, or large institutions where consistency and stability are paramount.

3. MERITOCRACY (orange)

→ Achievement-oriented, focusing on innovation and success.

Suited For: Competitive businesses in markets that demand constant innovation and growth, such as tech companies or large-scale enterprises.

4. COLLABORATIVE (green)

→ Values-driven, focusing on culture and empowerment.

Suited For: Organizations prioritizing social responsibility, employee engagement, and community, like NGOs or socially-driven businesses.

5. EVOLUTIONARY (teal)

→ Self-management, holistic approach, and evolutionary purpose.

Suited For: Progressive companies that value adaptability, empowerment, and a holistic approach, suitable for industries like creative, tech, or start-ups aiming for high agility.

Application

In the quest for organizational excellence, one size does not fit all:

You need to understand:

→ Which style meets your company’s DNA?

→ How much complexity can everyone handle?

→ How fast do you need to adapt?

Finding a suitable organizational model is a journey of exploration, adaptation, and growth.

First, you must identify which model best describes your company today.

Then ask:

Which model would best serve your current or future challenges?

Summary

To find the right fit for your organization, you need to understand the 5 types of organizations:

1. POWER CENTRIC (red)

→ Characteristics: Power-oriented, led by a strong leader.

2. HIERARCHY (amber)

→ Highly structured and hierarchical, with clear roles and top-down leadership.

3. MERITOCRACY (orange)

→ Achievement-oriented, focusing on innovation and success.

4. COLLABORATIVE (green)

→ Values-driven, focusing on culture and empowerment.

5. EVOLUTIONARY (teal)

→ Self-management, holistic approach, and evolutionary purpose.

Notice if your company has already moved through multiple different models as it has grown.

Change is inevitable; this change can happen skillfully and easily with awareness and the right knowledge.

If you currently need a major change in structure, ensure you get the right support.

Reflect:

What has helped you to find the right organizational structure (…for now)?

I’ll see you next week,

Nikolas Konstantin

P.S. Want more…

The Yearly Reflection Space for Leaders: The Wise Leadership Retreat

I've opened applications for my 2024 "Wise Leadership Retreat.“ It will take place 06.- 11. August this year.

What you can expect:

1. A full-day workshop on wise leadership will help you gain clarity on your values and goals.

2. Three days of silent meditation training to widen your awareness and mindfulness.

3. Nourishing meals, sauna, and beautiful surrounding lake and nature.

4. Connecting with like-minded leaders facing similar challenges.

5. Closing workshop to harvest new skills and insights for lasting growth.

Training the Theory and Art of Meditation: A Beautiful Mind Course

Can’t join the silent meditation retreat this year?

If you want to train your mind and understand the theory from science and meditation traditions, this one is for you.

The Online Course includes:

• The Guide to the 3 Styles of Meditation E-Book,

• 4 hours of theory,

• 10 + Meditations

• & Retreat Mode (create your own silent retreat with my retreat recordings)

The Best of Management and Leadership: Founder Playbooks

As a founder coach, I scan the best of leadership literature and mindfulness so my clients can focus on what matters most—building a thriving organization.

Some of that theory makes it into my client’s Founder Playbooks library, featuring the best management and leadership theory. So far, I have made those "Founder Playbooks" only accessible to my coaches. You can have exclusive access here.

A la Carte Executive Training: Executive Coaching

Each year, I support a number of leaders to transform into more resonant versions of themselves - so they can grow with purpose and positively impact the world. Want to be coached by me? Say hello.

Thanks for reading.

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Is there a topic you want to read? Just reply to this mail.

I will get back to you.

See you next week,
Nikolas