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The Respellion model; no management, no job descriptions

Core Principles

Holacracy is a governance framework that enables self-organization without traditional management hierarchies. At Respellion, we've adopted this approach to align with our core values:

  • Trust
  • Courage
  • Self-discipline
  • Entrepreneurship

Why Holacracy?

Our observations from the field show that while agile frameworks effectively facilitate self-organization in teams, organizational structures often remain rigid. Holacracy addresses this by:

  • Transforming static job descriptions into dynamic roles
  • Shifting from delegated authority to distributed authority
  • Replacing large reorganizations with constant micro-iterations
  • Substituting office politics with transparent rules and disciplined processes

Key Elements

  1. Role-Based Structure: Individuals fill one or more clearly defined roles within the organization, each with specific accountabilities.
  2. Circle Organization: Related roles form circles that are connected through link roles.
  3. Dynamic Governance: Roles are defined, amended, or removed through a formal governance process.
  4. Meeting Formats: Structured meetings focused on action rather than over-analysis.
  5. Tension-Driven Evolution: The organization evolves through addressing "tensions" - gaps between what is and what could be.

Practical Implementation

Respellion operates with:

  • One organizational circle
  • Monthly tactical and governance meetings (Fridays)
  • A Huddle check-in meetings per week
  • A Huddle Elevator session each two months
  • A task board for tracking work
  • Microsoft Loop for administration and meeting notes

Meeting Structure

All meetings are administered in Microsoft Loop

Tactical Meetings

  • Focus on operational issues and coordinating next actions
  • Results in clear tasks assigned to specific roles
  • Tasks are tracked on the Respellion Task Board

Governance Meetings

  • Focus on evolving the organizational structure
  • Create, modify, or remove roles based on emerging needs
  • Follow a structured process to address tensions through role changes
  • Meeting notes are administered on Governance Meeting Notes

The Concept of Tension

A tension represents an opportunity for improvement—a gap between current reality and potential. Tensions can be resolved by:

  • Providing information
  • Creating new roles
  • Defining specific actions

This approach empowers our people with real responsibility, entrepreneurial freedom, and the ability to evolve our organization continuously.

References

Blog – Holacracy