From Genes to Teams

The invention of individuals was an evolutionary masterstroke, transforming countless independent cells into coherent entities capable of purposeful action. Think of it: evolution invents new individuals by sewing the interests of the parts tightly together with the whole. What appears to us as a single, goal-driven being—a tree reaching for sunlight, a bird feeding its chicks—is in fact the result of intricate cooperation among many parts, each with its own interests. This natural process of aligning diverse agendas into a unified whole always offers an interesting analogy for how organizations function.

Organizations, much like living organisms, are made up of many actors: employees, leaders, and stakeholders, each with their own motivations and goals. At first glance, it may seem unlikely that such a collection of individuals could ever act with a single purpose. Yet, just as evolution found ways to align the interests of genes and cells, organizations develop structures, cultures, and incentives that encourage their members to work together toward common objectives.
This alignment is not automatic. It requires clear communication, leadership, and systems that reward cooperation and collective achievement. When these elements are in place, the organization begins to act as a purposeful entity. It can innovate, adapt, and pursue goals that no single member could achieve alone. The result is a kind of organizational "individuality", increasing its chances of survival.

Successful organizations are those that transcend the individual ambitions of their members. They develop a sense of direction and agency that is recognizable (and often admired). This purposeful behavior is not merely a metaphor; it is an emergent property that arises when diverse interests are brought into harmony.