Open source managers
I’ve recently finished reading Rushkoff’s latest book, Get Back In The Box, which talks about the fallacy of much “out of the box” thinking. This is more of a quick commentary on a section of the book (though I’ll get a formal review up later…short version: I liked it) than an actual review.
One passage in particular that really caught my eye was this bit from the chapter on open source business,
To run an open source business means to be so completely committed to innovation that you accept help when you need it, confident that you can bring something to the table yourself. You are unthreatened by the contributions of others, because you know how very much you are capable of contributing yourself.
I love this passage because it pretty much nails my life philosophy. Including, but not limited to, my philosophy as a manager. Though spirit remains the same, for a management focus I’d change the text slightly so that it read, “To be an open source manager means to be so completely committed to service that you accept help when you need it, confident that you can bring something to the table yourself. You are unthreatened by the contributions of others, because you know how very much you are capable of contributing yourself.”
I love how the ideals (and idealism) of open source translate so well to general business and management. It’s the same kind of counterculture stuff that attracts me to servant leadership. Love it.
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POSTED IN: books, career, creativity, looking inward, management, productivity, work life
