#6: Who is steering the ship

The traditional corporate playbook paints a clear picture – a C-suite at the helm, steering the ship to success. However, the reality is a labyrinth of complexities where the true architects of your company's destiny might surprise you. If you believe the C-suite solely manages your company, think again. The classic organizational hierarchy may suggest a top-down structure, but the reality is far more decentralized. And scary.

The sales team can emerge as unexpected gray cardinals in companies grappling with uncertainty. Focused on the immediate wins, they might sacrifice team morale, established processes, and risk management for the allure of a lucrative sale. In organizations with comparatively low maturity, the sole focus on sales can delay the company's development for quite some time.

Step into a tech-driven company, and you might find developers and architects at the helm. Their innovations shape products, services, and the company's overall trajectory. In extreme cases, pursuing personal ambitions can overshadow the true mission of the product. In that case, the company can deteriorate severely when the beautiful code is a measure of everything.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, real organizational power often emerges from supportive disciplines like procurement and security. System thinking teaches us that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in many companies, the meticulous procurement or security approval processes can inadvertently become the gravity center, slowing down even the most agile organizations.

For people who want changes, navigating the complexities of modern business and understanding where the true gravity centers lie are crucial. It's not just about the C-suite; it's about recognizing the forces within your organization that wield influence and shape its trajectory.

Acknowledging your organization's diverse sources of influence is the first step to thriving. Embrace the complexity, understand the gravity centers, and chart a course that steers your career toward success in the ever-evolving business landscape. After all, power is not confined to titles; it's an intricate dance influenced by various disciplines and dynamics.