Brave New Work; Aaron Dignan inspires change at work

‘Aaron Dignan confronts teams all over the world with one simple question: ‘What’s stopping you from doing the best work of your life?’’

The first sentence on the back cover of his book ‘Brave New Work’ , gets straight to the point really, because if we’re not doing our best work, then what are we doing, and how much of that is a waste of time, and going one step further than that, a waste of life?

The book sets the scene on what the future of work could look like, but also gives the context of where we are now. For example, still using workplace organisation structures that were designed in and for the Industrial Revolution! That two out of three people are disengaged at work. If you think about your work place for a moment, then chances are that is someone you know, someone you manage, your leadership team, or even you.

Evoluntionary Organisations are People Positive, a concept based on trust and autonomy to do the job. That when we are empowered to do our roles and feel supported, people actually like going to work and find the work fulfilling - something that all humans innately want to do; fulfil our potential and self-actualise.

Breaking down concepts of what is ‘complicated’ and what is ‘complex’ and how they require different ways of thinking and then action helps to navigate issues as they arise.

Above all though, it’s about having the courage to do something different. As the old adage goes, ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.’

The book then goes into how we can change these operating systems, splitting them into 12 categories: purpose, authority, structure, strategy, resources, innovation, workflow, meetings, information, membership, mastery, and compensation.

It’s worth a read if you’re looking at change in a new way, or are over getting the same results. Full of practical tips and ways to actually change.

Head over and check out his google talk to get a flavour of what to expect - you won’t be disappointed.

He has set up a company dedicated to helping workplaces go through this process, you can find out more here, and here. I highly recommend signing up to their newsletters too!