How Progressive and Conservative Viewpoints Shape Organizational Culture

“I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don't know the other side's argument better than they do.” - Charlie Munger

Conservative & progressive aren’t just frames for political systems.

These terms can help us understand organizational dynamics and team behavior as well.

To use this lens or mental model, we need to look at the core belief underpinning each of these words. (Not the political ideology)

To be conservative is to believe in conservation of key aspects of the system. That there are many things that are working just fine and too much jostling of the system and change can, and will, have negative impacts.

To be progressive is to seek growth and change, These are the innovators. How can there be growth if there is not change? Novel ideas and approaches that strive for improvement are the core of this group.

Each has its benefits and risks.

The conservative approach may stifle growth by not changing or growing fast enough (Blockbuster anyone?)

The progressive approach may change too much and too fast, creating chaos. Not every idea is a good idea, (Many are just downright bad) and risk is part of doing anything new.

Thus a balance will be struck somewhere in-between based on the core attitudes and beliefs of the organization or group.

I’ve been thinking about remote work from this lens.

Conservative thinking here would look at the benefits of in-person work and would seek to preserve these benefits such as stronger relationships, better collaboration, and higher creativity.

Progressive thinking embraces growth and change and promotes using technology to unlock personal freedom, flexibility, and individual productivity.

Some companies are 100% remote, some are 100% in-person, and most have found a balance with a hybrid model.

I’m not advocating for one viewpoint or the other.

I am advocating for using this as a lens with which to view attitudes towards change.

As individuals, we can be progressive and conservative depending on the topic.

As we age, our views may change as well.

Neither side is right, neither side is wrong.

Understanding how each of these viewpoints contribute to both stability and growth in a system is the benefit of using this lens.

How is your organization balancing stability and innovation?