Organizing Work, Not People: The Holocracy Idea of Roles

Holocracy organizes work through roles and circles, rather than the traditional pyramid structure. At the core of this concept is the role, which represents the smallest unit and has its own purpose, accountability, and property to manage. Individuals can fulfill multiple roles, which are then grouped into circles based on related functions. Unlike traditional structures, individuals can have roles in different circles across the organization. Holocracy emphasizes organizing work rather than people, creating a system where individuals can choose and fulfill roles based on their skills and interests. This approach fosters a marketplace dynamic for roles, with a designated gatekeeper ensuring the right fit for each role. The circle functions as an organic metaphor, likened to cells within organs within a broader interconnected system, reflecting nature's hierarchical organization of complex systems.