When does organizational action naturally occur, and when does it need a helping hand?

The conditions under which a human organization is likely to act may not reflect how important or even urgent the challenge is. Understanding how to galvanize a common purpose is critical to overcoming some of our biggest challenges — but it doesn’t always follow a logical process.

Image source: https://armchairmayor.ca/2020/06/11/covid-19-current-pandemic-stirs-memories-of-the-y2k-scare/

The conditions under which large groups of people will take concerted action do not necessarily follow the laws of what might seem logical. But understanding some of the elements suggest when we can allow nature to take its course and when some kind of alternative structure is necessary.

A clear, plausible, credible threat or opportunity

The first requirement for an organization to take action is that there is a clear plausible danger or opportunity with a critical mass of people who agree on the implications. Usually, it is accompanied by a compelling and believable story.

It can come in the form of an opportunity that people are worried about competitors grabbing. One of the most pervasive myths in business strategy is that of first-mover advantage, in which all players in a sector believe that the first to win…