The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders

46. Break the Symmetry—Create a New Symmetry

Symmetry defines the established patterns of order that exist in any system. Organizations create symmetry through rules, policies, regulations, and procedures. These control mechanisms help the organization achieve the predictability necessary to direct masses of people and conduct organizational business. Managers are charged to direct others so that the established symmetry holds.

No organization can create a perfect system. No set of prescribed guidelines can cover every contingency. Transformation works its way in and strains the established symmetry. Consider your own experience. Think of the impact caused by external forces such as competitor actions, technological improvements, government regulations, ...