What is radical work? – A recording of the lecture

First question: If radical working is the solution, what is our problem?

We sit together and discuss changes in the world of work. But what problem is radical working supposed to solve? One example: In the next few years, we will have too few people for too much work. This will keep us busy for the next 5, 10 or 15 years. We therefore need to rethink the way we work – in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. How can we get more work done with fewer people? Without making people ill or squeezing them out? More of the same is not the solution. We have to work intelligently.

Another problem is that more and more people are falling ill. The back used to be the big issue, today it’s the brain. In our knowledge society, more and more people are suffering from mental strain and stress. Radical working could help to promote health and reduce illness in the work context.

The third problem is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). There are almost 800 AI systems worldwide, and that’s just the beginning. Future working environments must take into account that AI will play a dominant role.

These problems result in a poor signal-to-noise ratio. Too much nonsense in the work context – bureaucracy, nonsensical structures, knowledge gaps in companies. Radical work could improve this relationship and bring us back to the core of the work.

Second question: If radical work is the end, what are the means? What are the characteristics of radical work?

Bruce Lee once said: “Use what works and leave out everything else.” He founded a fighting school based on this principle. This could also be transferable to our discussion. Radical work should focus on the essentials – what works. We need to ask ourselves: What works in our context? What brings us back to the root?

What are the characteristics of radical work? Performance orientation, collaboration and a no-bullshit mentality. No longer accept worthless or antisocial activities. For the activities: Are they necessary, attractive, feasible and humane? Do they have to be done by a human? And do they make sense? In organizations: Introduce openness to technology, learning organizations and scientifically based methods.

Radical working could be understood as a social movement – not as a management fashion or technology. It is about improving conditions for people, organizations and society.