Rules of Engagement

The 21st Century Workplace

Change is perhaps the only constant we can count on. Whether you call it “disruption” or prefer, as author Carolyn Swora does, to use the more positive word, “evolution,” it’s no secret that we live in a world that demands adaptability. And yet, most organizations are structured based on outdated hierarchies, rigid decision making processes, and an industrial-era emphasis on process and productivity. We were delighted to host Carolyn Swora on the podcast for an in-depth discussion of her book Rules of Engagement: Building a Workplace Culture to Thrive in an Uncertain World. Carolyn shared her thoughts on the realities of living (and thriving) in a VUCA world, why organizations need to focus on people, not process, and why culture change efforts that are still based on industrial thinking around productivity are bound to fail.