A Network or a Pyramid?

Although many organizations still have some form of pyramid structure to organize and connect their employees, it is rapidly fading into the background as more businesses recognize that the real work happens in a "network" fashion. Like bees in a hive, the work of employees' cuts across organizational boundaries as teams are formed from members around the world, and then quickly disbanded as activities are completed and other projects call.

Perhaps one of the biggest enablers for this new way of working has been the advent of communications technology. Starting with e-mail and then escalating to our current world of texting, tweets, blogs, chat rooms and more, we have new and effective ways to reach out and connect to our collaborators.

What's interesting is that it's taken the youngest generations—those in their teens on through their twenties—to show us the real potential for these capabilities. When e-mail first came out, business embraced it as a tool to become more efficient…you no longer needed a stamp to send your message, and it could now get there faster, thus yielding quick and tangible benefits. What's not to like?

Gen Y, though, sees today's form of communications as much more than a handy resource. Instead, it's a vivid demonstration of how connected the planet is, and how information and relationships are simply a few keystrokes away, making communications technology a great equalizer. From a business perspective, this tears down more of the rules and boundaries that pyramids represent. As stated by an HR Manager in a recent Wall Street Journal interview:

"Young people today want accessibility. If they have a problem or suggestion, they'll e-mail or text senior managers, or even the CEO. They don't have the old-school notion that there are appropriate communication models. They've grown up in a freedom-of-information era."

So the next generation doesn't just see networks as a means to organize themselves and their work…they think like a network. And a workplace that thinks similarly will be creating a great place to work that attracts the best of today's talent, regardless of their age.

Jennifer