How can a company ensure its structures and policies continue to serve the organization?

A company can maintain functionality during power outages or other disruptions by having a robust disaster recovery and business continuity plan in place. This includes having backup power sources like generators or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, data backup and recovery solutions, and alternative work arrangements for employees. It's also important to regularly test these systems and plans to ensure they work effectively when needed.

Relying too heavily on traditional systems and structures can lead to several potential drawbacks. First, it can result in a stifling bureaucracy, where outdated structures and policies no longer serve the organization effectively. This is often referred to as organizational debt. Second, the most widely used systems are not always the best quality. For instance, traditional traffic systems may not be as safe or efficient as alternatives like roundabouts. Lastly, firms that try to adopt new methodologies like Agile without understanding the theory behind them may not see the desired benefits. Instead, they may end up simply adding another layer of bureaucracy.