Worklife with Adam Grant
The Zombie Guide to Surviving Bureaucracy
Oct 10, 2023
Marina Nitza, a tech entrepreneur and former CTO for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, delves into the paradox of bureaucracy. She explains how rigid structures can stifle creativity while also providing necessary order. The conversation highlights the absurdity of unnecessary rules and advocates for subtracting inefficiencies. Nitza shares strategies for effectively navigating complex systems and emphasizes the importance of hacking bad policies to foster positive change and collaboration in organizations.
33:49
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Quick takeaways
- Bureaucracy can impede productivity and innovation, but it can also enable and empower people.
- Recognizing the value of subtraction can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness in problem-solving.
Deep dives
Understanding the Frustrations of Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy, often seen as a hindrance to progress, can be a frustrating aspect of organizations. Neurosurgeon Adam Grant shares his own experiences with bureaucratic hurdles, such as having his CV rejected due to formatting issues. Bureaucracy exists to bring order to chaos, but it can impede productivity and innovation. However, there are two types of bureaucracy: enabling bureaucracy that empowers people, and coercive bureaucracy that hinders progress. The challenge lies in finding the balance between maintaining order and allowing for flexibility.
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