At Work with The Ready 95. Thinking Outside the Pyramid with Matthew Barzun
8 snips
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dollar Bill Symbolism
- The dollar bill's symbols, the pyramid and the constellation, represent opposing power mindsets.
- The pyramid embodies hierarchy, while the constellation symbolizes interdependence and co-creation.
Pyramid Thinking
- Pyramid thinking emphasizes hierarchy, ranking, and division, leading to a focus on winning and losing.
- This focus can crowd out other valuable skills associated with constellation thinking, such as collaboration and co-creation.
Challenging the Arena
- Matthew Barzun challenges Teddy Roosevelt's "in the arena" mentality, which emphasizes winning or losing.
- He proposes a third option: "playing it through" and "building arenas" together, focusing on learning and growth.