WorkLife with Adam Grant cover image

WorkLife with Adam Grant

The Zombie Guide to Surviving Bureaucracy

Oct 10, 2023
33:44
Snipd AI
Explore the frustrations and limitations of bureaucracy and the bias towards addition in problem-solving. Learn techniques to sabotage organizations and navigate bureaucratic challenges. Discover the benefits of finding allies within the organization and the importance of mentoring and continuous learning.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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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