In the natural world, mycelial networks—the underground root-like structures of fungi—offer a breathtaking example of interconnectedness.
These networks distribute resources, share information, and adapt to their environment, enabling ecosystems to thrive.
What if our organizations could operate like that?
The modern workplace often struggles with silos and hierarchies that impede information flow, slow decision-making, and stifle innovation.
But there’s another way—one inspired by the decentralized, resilient nature of mycelial networks. By fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration and leveraging tools like enterprise social networks (e.g., Yammer, Microsoft Teams, Slack), organizations can unlock their full potential.
Here’s one way we can make it happen.
1. The Mycelial Metaphor: Networks Over Hierarchies
Mycelial networks connect individual organisms across vast ecosystems, creating a resilient and adaptive system. Organizations need a similar shift from rigid hierarchies to fluid, networked teams that thrive on collaboration.
How to apply it:
- Rethink organizational structures, empowering teams to form connections beyond their immediate silos. Like internal ecosystems across the enterprise.
- Create roles or initiatives that actively bridge gaps between departments, such as Communities of Practice or cross-functional task forces.
2. The Case for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Teams that integrate diverse perspectives can solve complex problems more effectively. Cross-functional collaboration accelerates decision-making, fosters creativity, and improves time-to-market for solutions.
How to apply it:
- Assemble teams with a blend of expertise (e.g., product, engineering, design, and marketing) to work on shared goals.
- Use Agile methods like Scrum or Kanban to provide frameworks for collaboration while maintaining flexibility.
3. The Role of Technology: Enterprise Social Networks
In the early 2010s, platforms like Yammer revolutionized the way organizations communicated (Yammer was Microsoft’s big bet for enterprise social, and it has paid off).
These tools replaced static intranets with dynamic, interactive spaces where people could connect, share, and innovate. In the Microsoft space, Yammer saw the kind of viral adoption SharePoint used to have (before IT got their hands on it and destroyed the social side of enterprise social).
How to apply it:
- Implement enterprise social networks like Yammer, Slack, or Microsoft Teams to create digital spaces for collaboration.
- Encourage the use of hashtags and tagging systems to make content discoverable.
- Celebrate wins and share learnings across the organization through these platforms, promoting a culture of transparency.
4. Psychological Safety: The Foundation of Collaboration
For teams to collaborate effectively, they need a foundation of trust and safety. Members must feel confident to share ideas, ask questions, and challenge the status quo without fear of judgment or retribution.
How to apply it:
- Train leaders to foster environments of psychological safety, where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities.
- Use techniques like blameless retrospectives and open space technology to create spaces for honest, constructive dialogue.
5. Networked Leadership: Beyond Command and Control
Leadership in a networked organization looks different. It’s less about directing and more about enabling—helping teams form connections, access resources, and align to shared goals.
How to apply it:
- Transition leaders into servant-leadership roles where they facilitate rather than dictate.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to help leaders adopt this mindset.
6. Measure What Matters: Collaboration Metrics
Just as ecosystems rely on feedback loops to stay healthy, organizations need metrics to assess and improve their collaboration efforts.
How to apply it:
- Use tools like network analysis to identify bottlenecks and opportunities in information flow.
- Track engagement on enterprise social networks to measure how effectively teams are sharing and collaborating.
7. Success Stories: From Intranets to Vibrant Networks
In my work with organizations adopting enterprise social networks, I’ve seen firsthand how dynamic platforms like Yammer can transform collaboration. At ATOS, Yammer helped break down barriers, turning a traditional, static intranet (SharePoint) into a vibrant, interactive ecosystem where ideas flowed freely. Teams could connect across geographies, sharing insights and solving problems faster than ever before.
The enterprise social aspect is what craved during the programme I led at Royal Bank of Scotland in the early 2000’s. But we also had bigger fish to fry (consolidating over a million pages of content spread across eight corporate intranets, most of it duplicated, or out of date, it’s no wonder the client expected to spend £50m on fixing it).
The result? Improved engagement, faster decision-making, and a more connected workforce.
8. Start Small, Scale Smart
Building a networked organization doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with small changes—encouraging cross-functional conversations, introducing collaboration tools, and fostering a mindset shift from “me” to “we.”
How to apply it:
- Pilot enterprise social networks with a specific project or team, showcasing their success as a case study.
- Gradually expand the networked approach across the organization, adapting as you go.
The Future of Collaboration
Organizations that embrace the mycelial model—where connections thrive, information flows freely, and teams adapt dynamically—are better equipped to navigate today’s complexities. It’s not just a strategy; it’s a mindset shift toward networked thinking, enabled by tools and leadership that prioritize collaboration over control.
Let’s move beyond rigid hierarchies and static systems. By fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration, we can build organizations as resilient, adaptive, and interconnected as the mycelial networks that sustain our natural world.
What steps can your organization take today to build its own resilient, networked ecosystem? Share your thoughts below—let’s connect and collaborate!
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