The Bottom Line Chaos Management: Do Fewer Rules Make For Better Workplaces?
Oct 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Erin Meyer, a Professor at INSEAD and co-author of 'No Rules Rules,' explores how chaos can foster innovation while balancing control and creativity. Jesper Brodin, the outgoing CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA), shares insights on maintaining a culture that empowers decision-making amid structure. They delve into the benefits of minimal rules for autonomy, the importance of shared purpose, and how to navigate leadership during crises. The conversation highlights how embracing a bit of chaos can lead to remarkable organizational flexibility.
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Minimal Rules, Maximum Judgement
- Hat Mill operates with minimal rules to maximise autonomy and enable rapid judgement calls.
- Simon Dixon argues you cannot legislate for every external shock so flexibility is essential.
Managing On The Edge Of Chaos
- Netflix deliberately manages "on the edge of chaos" to preserve creativity even as it scales.
- Erin Meyer says removing many policies keeps innovative talent who need freedom to experiment.
IKEA's One Real Policy
- Jesper Brodin recounts IKEA's founder saying the real policy is that "you have to make mistakes."
- He uses this to show entrepreneurship and permission to err are core to IKEA's culture.
