DNA is the blueprint of life. Every cell in our body except for the red blood cell has DNA. In fact, it is part of what defines a living organism. The same could be said for all organizations. Each and every group has a set DNA. DNA in an organization is what generates an organization’s values, culture, and ultimately their success and failure.
The logical question, therefore, is “Can DNA be changed?” There is a sequence in all patterns of DNA and this sequence can be reordered. When this change occurs, it is referred to as a mutation. I’m not sure where your mind goes when you hear the word mutation, but I think of the characters in the apocalyptic movie called “The Prodigal Planet.” They were humans that suffered deformities and skin problems due to nuclear fallout, kind of creepy actually. Enough of the side bar, but if you want a journey back to the 70s you should check out the old “Thief in the Night” movie series.
A company or group is very much an organism with its own genetic sequence, and DNA mutations can happen in an organization as well. When these changes take place in an organization, the old does not just go away. Instead, the existing genetic makeup is changed in such a way that it will function differently from that point forward. If this change is to have a positive effect, everyone needs to be on board for it. Otherwise, you end up with some body parts (divisions, employees, etc.) totally out of whack with the rest of the organism, and that benefits nobody. Therefore communication and strategies for implementation need to be clear from the beginning. That way, the entire organization can shift as needed to adapt to changing circumstances. In order for change to become long term, the new DNA sequence must not be just accepted but embraced by all of the parts and people involved.
This post was inspired by something I read earlier this morning on another blog, ““You’re only as young as the last time you changed your mind.” http://www.deadlyviper.org/blog/?p=1216
