In 1999 the Internet classic, The Cluetrain Manifesto, by Chris Locke, Doc Searls, David Weinberger, and Rick Levine told us that markets are conversations. Ten years later, with the widespread adoption of social media and collaborative work tools, we are entering the conversational era.
Businesses are facing change on several fronts. Existing organizational models lack the flexibility to deal with complex environments. Customers no longer believe corporate communications and are demanding greater transparency and participation in the relationship. Organizations that can learn and adapt the fastest will have a competitive advantage in such a complex environment.
Complexity theory (see the CYNEFIN framework) indicates that good and best practices are inadequate in dealing with complex problems. Emergent practices are needed, and these require constant learning and adaptation. Therefore, we need to change our models of training, how we define problems and how we measure results of human performance. Integrating work and learning is becoming a business imperative as we deal with a complex world.
"Entreprise Collaborative" is a multicultural idea laboratory that facilitates knowledge exchange between experts and practitioners. Here we will connect social learning and the networked enterprise to develop more resilient organizations.
Advice, ideas and stories are welcome. If you want to be part of this exciting initiative, please use the contact form.
