Navigating the First Situation of Natural Development in Organizations
At Oak Studios, we are fascinated by the natural development of craftsmanship in teams and organizations. This post is part of our series exploring the “0123” work situations, a framework introduced in the IRIS business simulation. These stages represent how individuals and groups evolve in their work. Today, we start with the most basic, yet often overlooked, scenario: “I can’t do it (but I’ll pretend I can).”
The Reality of Situation 1
Imagine being in a role where mistakes are common, collaboration is fraught with tension, and every task feels like starting from scratch. This is Situation 1: a stage where individuals and teams lack the skills or resources to perform effectively. While the task may seem learnable, the reality is often chaotic—fueled by errors, inefficiencies, and a lack of trust.
Performance metrics in this scenario look like a jagged roller coaster—unpredictable, full of spikes and dips, and devoid of any clear trend. There’s a clamor for more management, stricter guidelines, and additional oversight. People speak in terms of frustration, self-doubt, and mistrust, retreating into silos or focusing narrowly on their tasks.
Does this sound familiar? Perhaps it reminds you of your first attempt at something complex—like fixing a flat tire, only to find it deflating repeatedly, leaving you frustrated and demoralized. In organizations, these feelings often manifest in strikingly human ways:
- Employees stop seeking help after repeated disappointments.
- People shift their focus outside of work, finding purpose in hobbies or community roles.
- Collaboration breaks down, turning personal relationships into either strained alliances or isolated escapes.
Yet, despite the chaos, individuals and teams soldier on, finding ways to “survive” by narrowing their scope of responsibility or retreating into coping mechanisms.
Why Situation 1 Persists
The most striking thing about Situation 1 is how long organizations can sustain it. People grow accustomed to the dysfunction, normalizing inefficiencies and frustrations. Departments fight with one another; processes grind to a halt under the weight of bureaucracy. And yet, teams continue to operate—limping along, but never thriving.
Organizations often compound the problem. They see people as “controllable” through task management, focusing on compliance over connection. This strips away opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the collective. Instead, people seek purpose outside of work or resign themselves to disengagement.
Unlocking Potential
Here’s the silver lining: Situation 1 holds immense potential for transformation. When teams focus on developing basic skills and addressing underlying issues, results can be dramatic:
- 20-30% greater efficiency.
- Increased productivity and engagement.
- Reduced turnover and absenteeism.
The journey begins with acknowledging the situation. By addressing errors, simplifying processes, and fostering a culture of trust, organizations can shift from chaos to capability. But the key lies in embracing natural development—letting people learn, fail, and grow in a supportive environment. This isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about fostering resilience and adaptability over time.
A Call to Reflect
As we explore these work situations, we invite you to reflect on your own teams and organizations. Are you stuck in a cycle of inefficiency, where individuals are doing their best to “survive” instead of thrive?
At Oak Studios, we believe that even the most challenging situations hold the seeds of transformation. By recognizing and addressing the dynamics of Situation 1, organizations can begin to lay the groundwork for true growth and collaboration.
The next step? Understanding the mechanisms that help teams cope with uncertainty and chaos. Stay tuned for the next blog in our series, where we’ll delve deeper into these dynamics.
Disclaimer
These insights are based on the writings and teachings of Ad Schalkx. His work on organizational dynamics and natural development continues to guide and shape our perspective at Oak Studios.