– When we started the company, the goal was to create an atmosphere where people could grow and thrive, and turn this in to good, sustainable business, says CEO Sidsel Lindsø.

Are traditional management systems and hierarchies the way to go when you want to motivate people to deliver their absolute best? That is one question Sidsel Lindsø, CEO of ExploCrowd, has asked herself many times.

Outdated management models?

– I have a profound interest in finding out how organisations best can create value. In today’s knowledge societies where problem solving, creativity and collaboration is priority, I find it hard to believe that traditional management systems let people use their strengths and diverse skills in a matter that benefits the organisation.

Lindsø points out that today’s most commonly used management systems were developed more than hundred years ago, during the industrial revolution. In the making of different products, it was important that people did repeated tasks with precision. This led to the emerging of control systems, as well as KPIs and full focus on the bottom line.

– My concern is that traditional organisations force people to fit into the structure and do their best within the framework and its limitations. When this happens, the organisations don’t get the opportunity to unleash people’s full potential.

Unbossing people around

When starting up ExploCrowd in 2016, Lindsø wanted to test out if it was possible to “turn things upside down”. Inspired by the book and theory UNBOSS, the CEO wanted to build on values rather than power:

– We wanted to create an atmosphere where people thrive. An unboss inspires people to think, decide and act towards a common purpose. The hypothesis is that organisations who focus more on effect than profit, often end up earning more money than conventional businesses.

People, science – and passion for both! (Photo: Anne Lise Norheim)

– Secret to success

In some organisations the employees exist to make the boss a success. But not in ExploCrowd. CEO Sidsel Lindsø explains:

– I try my best to remove the obstacles that stand in people’s way of doing their best. Being allowed to follow your passion is highly satisfying and motivating, and in our view – also a secret to success.

ExploCrowd’s guiding principles are inspired by several sources.

– You are welcome to test them out! Hopefully, you will be positively blown away, Lindsø says.

1. Focus on purpose (or passion!) rather than profit.
2. Dissolve the old hierarchy and encourage everyone to work together.
3. Transform your business into an unlimited social network.
4. Become a great place to work and attract the best people.
5. Step aside and let your co-workers take the lead.
6. Turn customers into partners and advocates for your cause.
7. Get rid of rigid pay scales and bonus schemes — as well as selfish employees who care about such things.
8. Involve people outside your company — also in research and development.
9. Tolerate mistakes and talk openly about them.

A business philosophy based on igniting people’s passion

ExploCrowd’s guiding principles are inspired by several sources.