DTGameplan Consulting

This is a 3 part series of articles from Gary O’Brien written for Thoughtworks, exploring the link between Darwin’s theory of evolution and an emerging type of organisation.

Darwins theory was never about ‘survival of the fittest’. It describes how individuals with traits that allow them to adapt to a changing environment are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to their offspring. Over time, the characteristics that enable a species to survive become more frequent in the population and the species changes – or it evolves. Like the process of evolution, digital transformation enables businesses to adapt, survive and thrive. 

In the first two articles on the evolutionary organization Gary explores similarities between the theory of natural evolution and the principles of transformational change in business. The characteristics of successful businesses have evolved, and many of those traits are being handed down through mutations of emerging business models. Tech-enabled ecosystems may well become the common ancestor for the next generation of transformational organizations. 

The third article looks at how COVID has created a catalyst for organizations to wipe the slate clean and leave behind old behaviors and structures that no longer serve us. This creates a unique opportunity for any business, regardless of tenure or legacy platforms and processes, to become an evolutionary organization. 

It’s a moment in time we cannot ignore — a chance to completely redesign our operating models to lean into constant change. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, start by taking these three steps.