In episode 372, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Jitske Kramer, corporate anthropologist, inspiring speaker, entrepreneur, founder of HumanDimensions, and author of the book, “Tricky Times: Navigating the Messy Middle of Change.” Mike asks Jitske about the concept of liminality, the transitional phase during change, where old ways no longer apply, but the new ways are not yet clear. It’s characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and the potential for creative solutions, so they discuss how cultures are created through the processes of interaction and decision-making.
They then explore why understanding these processes can help leaders influence and guide cultural shifts within organizations. Jitske shares why she believes the physical layout of workplaces and environments reflects the cultural narrative and values of an organization and facility management leaders can influence that narrative by rearranging the physical world.
Agenda
- Introduction to the concept of liminality
- Insights into how anthropology informs leadership
- Advice for navigating the future of the workplace
What you need to know: Workplace takeaways
Takeaway 1: Understanding liminality can help individuals and organizations navigate the uncertainty and anxiety that often come with change
“It will be frightening, it will be wonderful because there’s so much space for creation and finding new ways,” Jitske explains.
However, she also warns about the dangers of misleading narratives and tricksters who can take advantage of the lack of clear direction.
“During liminal times there will be tricksters, people playing the truth because that’s what we need to get to new insights. But if we make those tricksters into leaders, if we give them a budget and a whole project, they might trick us to things which are not good for us as human beings,” she says.
Kramer’s advice for navigating liminality included practical steps and the importance of meaningful conversations. “If you are in big change programs, find three things you can do very practically and which will help you to get to safety and to help you bring the group or your project or your team further,” she suggests.
She also emphasizes the value of “campfire conversations,” where individuals can speak truth to power and share their genuine concerns and aspirations, fostering a more human and authentic approach to change.
Takeaway 2: Corporate anthropology can provide valuable insights into how cultures are shaped and how to influence them positively during times of transformation
“We need to understand that nothing has meaning by itself… We have to create meaning,” Jitske explains.
Jitske elaborates by explaining the role of culture in shaping the physical world, such as office spaces and city layouts. “The physical world, this tangible physical world is based upon the narrative we believe to be true,” she says.
Facility management and real estate professionals, in particular, she says, can benefit from this perspective when implementing new strategies or policies.
“We need to become very good at having good conversations, listening to all voices, and making decisions where, you know, at least most people feel comfortable with and feel that their knowledge is shared,” says Jitske.
Takeaway 3: Small groups of committed individuals can drive significant change within organizations and society
Jitske shares her favorite motivational quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
The quote resonates with her because it underscores the power of collective action and decision-making. “When people get together, we create worlds together. So, we shape cultures through interaction and decision making,” she explains.
“And if a small group of people gets together and decides things together and then acts upon it, it will change the world. So, if you as a person want change and you want to do something in your organization, family or society, get together with others. It’s the only thing that ever has,” she says.
Her advice for leveraging the power of small groups includes the importance of optimizing interactions and decision-making processes.
“And understanding that you need to optimize those, then we need to become very good in having good conversations, listening to all voices, and make decisions where, you know, at least most people feel comfortable with and feel that their knowledge is shared.”
Workplace management insights
- Change involves a liminal space, a period of uncertainty and anxiety between the old and new ways of doing things.
- Cultures are shaped through the processes of interaction and decision-making, and understanding these processes can help in navigating change.
- The physical world reflects the cultural narrative, and changes in the physical environment can influence and be influenced by cultural shifts.
- During liminal times, there’s a risk of being misled by tricksters or false narratives, which can lead to poor decisions.
- Practical steps, like making a cup of tea, can help individuals and groups manage the anxiety and uncertainty of change and foster meaningful conversations.
Do a deep dive into more workplace insights by exploring all Workplace Innovator podcast episodes.
