Rethinking Work Systems: Building Effective Teams in a Distributed World

This compelling episode of Workshapes Field Notes features Brett Hautop in conversation with workplace transformation experts Domino (Sydney, Australia) and Shujaat Ahmad (Dublin, California). Together, they examine whether our current systems of work are truly serving organizations and employees in today's rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The Legacy of Industrial Work Design:

The conversation begins with a critical examination of how our current workplace systems evolved from Henry Ford's assembly line methodology - a 100-year-old framework that may no longer serve knowledge workers in the 21st century. The experts discuss how management styles have failed to evolve alongside physical workplace innovations.

Key System Challenges Explored:

• Management by Walking Around: Why line-of-sight management is becoming obsolete in hybrid work environments

• The Three-Body Problem: How complexity in modern workplaces creates unpredictable dynamics that traditional management can't address

• Team Definition Crisis: Distinguishing between actual collaborative teams and administrative org chart groupings

Solutions for Modern Work Systems:

Team Agreements Framework:

1. Intentionality: Clearly defined common outcomes and objectives

2. Connectivity: Ensuring meaningful interdependence among team members

3. Rhythm: Balancing individual work preferences with team collaboration needs

Technology as an Enabler:

The discussion explores how AI and advanced scheduling tools can help manage the complexity of distributed work, moving beyond simple return-to-office mandates to create intentional collaboration opportunities.

Network Analysis Insights:

Shujaat shares practical applications of Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) to understand:

• Strong vs. Weak Ties: How different relationship types drive innovation and productivity

• Dunbar's Number: The cognitive limits of meaningful workplace relationships (approximately 150 people)

• Serendipitous Interactions: The value of unplanned encounters in driving creativity

The Future of Workplace Leadership:

The experts argue for a fundamental shift from transactional to relational leadership approaches, emphasizing trust-building and outcome-focused management over presence-based metrics.

Practical Applications:

• Creating "abundance mindset" workplaces with rich, experience-focused environments

• Designing for both strong collaborative ties and weak innovative connections

• Using data to optimize team formation and workspace allocation

• Building systems that support autonomy while maintaining organizational coherence

This episode provides essential insights for organizational leaders, HR professionals, and workplace strategists working to create more effective, human-centered work systems.

Featured Experts:

• Domino, Workplace Transformation Consultant

• Shujaat Ahmad, Future of Work Expert