Note from the editor

OR·GAN·I·ZA·TION [AWR-GUH-NUH–ZEY-SHUHN] noun A group of persons organized for some end or work; association: a nonprofit organization HACK [HAK] verb (used with object) To devise or modify (a computer program), usually skillfully Humans formed organizations to accomplish great things since the dawn of mankind. Companies are just the modern incarnation of that fundamental concept. But in order to accomplish great things, two critical ingredients are required: the first is great people, the core ingredient of every organization. The second is organizing these people using an effective structure, in the broader term of that word. Organization is the glue that keeps the group together and guides in its path towards accomplishing its mission. It is what enables the whole to be larger than the sum of its parts (as well as attract other great parts). This blog is all about this latter ingredient. Organization emerges in any group of people, so the cost of not being thoughtful and intentional about it, not aligning it with the mission, can be profound. Good organization takes into account the fact that the way we work has evolved and continues to evolve. We want our work to drive a greater purpose, not just pay the bills. It relies heavily on having great people to collaborate with, not just on our own skills. We also work in different places and different times of day. Finally, our work is a (big) part of our lives, not an external counterbalance to it. Good organization drives clarity which guides us in our actions. It defines values that shape behaviors and practices. It clarifies the Why? (purpose) the How? (plan) and the Who? (responsibility). It shapes our decisions (and decision making) on both our business/mission and our group (promotions, rewards, departures). This publication is primarily driven by content created by people smarter than me. I mostly curate, synthesize and add some narrative around their key ideas. Every once in a while, I also share my own ideas and perspectives. Enjoy, Itamar