The 'Pretzel Shaped' Corporation

Here's an exciting concept that's making the rounds at the top tier MBA programs as they seek a comprehensive “new wave” strategy for business survival and success. It's a new model for growth and prosperity.

Originally conceived at the leadership group of Booz, Allen and Hamilton, a world icon in management consulting, it defines new relations which make traditional corporate “command and control” models obsolete. BAH partners Bruce Pasternack and Albert Viscio refer to the concept as a “centerless” corporation. It takes senior management out of everyday marketing decisions and eliminates their input from day-to-day actions. It places the responsibilities in the hands of the front-facing staff members who are most involved in the activity.

The boss steps back
In effect, the boss takes a step back while his hand-picked leadership team steps forward. Hence, senior management is no longer in the center of things; and thus, the “centerless” corporation. For simplicity, imagine your existing organization chart — regardless of its staffing size — crashing to the floor. In its place is no longer a vertical, linear chain of command. Then, imagine in its place, a chart with a horizontal pretzel. That's right — an oversized pretzel! That's how I envision it. Picture how my concept of the pretzel twists and intertwines and meets in the middle. Think of a corporate activity flowing through and around and being tied together. Rather than everything flowing up and down, it flows in whatever direction it is most efficient for it to go.