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At Work with The Ready

95. Thinking Outside the Pyramid with Matthew Barzun

Dec 6, 2021
Matthew Barzun, Author and former U.S. ambassador, discusses his new book and the concept of shifting from pyramid thinking to a constellation mindset. They explore the symbolism of pyramids and constellations, challenge the idea of hierarchy in leadership, and emphasize the importance of meeting structures and needs. The conversation concludes with a discussion on power and freedom in organizations and where to find more information about the guest's work.
51:09

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Constellation thinking promotes interdependence and co-creation, while pyramid thinking focuses on hierarchy and winning or losing.
  • Shifting to constellation thinking requires embracing individual uniqueness, active participation, and open dialogue for fruitful collaboration and meaningful outcomes.

Deep dives

The Power of Giving Away Power

The podcast discusses the importance of giving away power and how it can lead to a more adaptive and human way of working. The guest, Matthew Barzon, shares insights from his book titled 'The Power of Giving Away Power' and emphasizes the need to shift from pyramid thinking to constellation thinking. He explains that the pyramid represents the traditional top-down hierarchy and focuses on winning, losing, and hierarchy, while the constellation represents interdependence, connections, and co-creation. Barzon highlights the significance of asking, listening, serving, and opening up in order to foster collaboration and individual growth within organizations.

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