Strengthen the inner architect to help your organization grow

" I don't think that architecture is only about shelter, is only about a very simple enclosure. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think. "

Zaha Hadid

Is your leadership more results-oriented or process-driven? Most likely, it’s the balance between the two that will help your organization grow.

In her article “The builder’s mindset: a way out of the ‘drill sergeant’ / ‘Zen master’ dichotomy,” Dr. Gena Gorlin presents a management approach based on finding balance between the “achiever” (what she calls the drill sergeant) and the process-focused leader (what she calls the Zen master).

The Achiever

This profile is primarily focused on delivering results. Often authoritative, this approach emphasizes success defined by traditional metrics, typical of a “red ocean” strategy, where creativity is quickly constrained by high pressure. It often stems from an overly harsh inner critic. In this mindset, processes, harmony, or even procrastination are viewed as signs of weakness.

Mr. or Mrs. Process

Dr. Gena Gorlin calls this profile the Zen master, someone who values the journey as much as (or more than) the destination. This approach prioritizes structure, freedom, posture, and mindset. While these qualities can be powerful, they may also be seen as lacking drive or ambition. Because the Zen master aims to reduce stress and foster creativity, they can sometimes be perceived as not pushing hard enough toward bold objectives.

So, how do you find the best balance?

By leveraging the strengths of the Builder or Architect—the one who imagines, designs, and implements impactful structures.

Are you more inspired by Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, or Odile Decq?

Here are 10 architect-inspired questions to ask yourself when approaching your organization or a major project:

1. What is the context of the project (site, environment, local culture)?
   → Understanding the organization’s culture and ecosystem is key to embedding your project within its environment.

2. What are the specific needs of internal clients, external clients, and end users?
   → Clarify expectations while anticipating real needs in terms of function, experience, and even aesthetics.

3. What are the project’s long-term objectives (sustainability, scalability)?
   → Think about longevity, adaptability, and structural resilience.

4. How can the project express a strong identity while meeting constraints?
   → Combine creativity and identity around the project.

5. What is the ecological and social impact of the project?

6. What challenges is your organization facing?
   → Identify potential roadblocks or unique environmental requirements.

7. How can the budget be optimized without compromising quality?
   → Strike a balance between financial constraints and high standards of design.

8. What is the relationship between the organization’s interior (culture and leadership) and its exterior (brand image)?
   → Consider how your leadership and team are perceived by the outside world.

9. How can both client and employee experiences be improved?
   → Design great experiences while enhancing employee well-being.

10. What is the identity dimension of the project?
    → How can you weave your values, and those you want to convey to clients, into your leadership and team culture?

And you, what do you want to strengthen or realign between your brand, your culture, and your leadership within your organization?

#leadership #builder #architect #ambition