The first months of a new year is an opportune time to cultivate and harness new energy – out with the old, in with the new! It is a natural time to recalibrate. It is the right time to zero in on how systems, processes, functions and habits are helping or inhibiting your progress or that of your organization. In the current climate of doing more with less, new approaches are needed. First of all, a change of perspective is required. Less can be more if you do three things: Realign, Redesign and Refocus.
Realign
Dust off your Vision, Mission and Values Statements to take a hard look at whether or not you are achieving who you (or your organization) wants to be in the world, or are mandated to be. Are there events/actions that are distracting you? Is there a departure from your purpose? If you are not where you want to be or need to be, take the time to refocus and revamp your foundational blueprint. Ensure that your governance model contains the executive limitations necessary for progress and accountability.
Redesign
Emerging organizational designs will be built on business models that utilize widely 
available knowledge as well as knowledge contained in communities of individuals and/or firms focused on a particular technology or subject. Research shows that new collaborative designs or commons are emerging from the traditional designs of U-form, M-form, Matrix and Multi-firm Networks. A collaborative commons design is less dependent on hierarchy since all actors (individuals, firms, governments) are guided by protocols for their collaborative activities for mutual benefit.
Refocus
Take time to consider the rise and fall of organizations and proud institutions. Think about the events, both large and small, that served to derail or destroy them. Hindsight and crisis control is not where you want to be, and saying sorry should never be your plan. Further, if your culture does not allow worst case scenario discussions to surface, you are leaving yourself (and your organization) open to crisis, scandal, or even extinction. It’s just a matter of time.
A shift in perspective to a less is more approach and planning with the 3 Rs of Realign, Redesign, and Refocus, will ensure a future that is more certain. Are you moving in this direction? If not, how will you actually achieve more with less?
