The Architecture of Meaning

In astrophysics, any 2 body gravitational system has certain positions where the gravitational forces cancel out. Small objects relative to the two bodies can comfortably “park” at these points with minimal fuel necessary to maintain position. Free rent for satellites.

These are called LaGrange points and there are five. We use them regularly to place satellites and telescopes at relatively low cost. The James Webb telescope is parked at the L2 point.

The graphic below visualizes their positions – in this case the Sun-Earth system. What’s interesting are the arrows. They describe the cumulative gravitational impulse at and around these points. Where the directionality points away from the LaGrangian point, the solution is considered divergent, or unstable. Where the directionality points toward the center point, the solution is considered convergent, or stable.

There are two convergent and three divergent solutions. What does this practically mean? An object stationed at a convergent point, given small perturbations, will drift back to the LaGrangian point. However, for an object at a divergent point, small perturbations will compound and the object will continue to drift away from the center. Objects at divergent points require regular, small course corrections to keep it at the center.

Leadership

This astronomical phenomenon has striking parallels with leadership. That is, leadership is similar to a divergent LaGrangian point. Howso?

• Reaching the solution state. Building aligned, cross-functional teams on well-built platforms against regular delivery goals requires work. Energy input is initially disproportionate to generate enough momentum to break equilibrium and direct a group toward that solution state
• Navigating multi-dimensional forces. I wish building groups was like solution simple two-dimension linear equations. In reality, it’s an n-dimensional non-linear system. Balancing individual career aspirations, diverse skillsets, multiple architectural paths, velocity needs and infrastructure growth … these are just some of the inputs that govern directionality and all need to be solved for.
• Maintaining the solution state requires constant work. Lastly, and perhaps most significant, the sociotechnical system will tend away from a solution state. Individuals will move on, teams will have new goals, personal dynamics will create tension, systems will reach performance boundaries. All of these are why leaders must continually course correct teams.

Leadership is a Thing

If leadership is like a divergent LaGrangian point, then that means continual care is required to keep teams aligned and effective, often through rather subtle “impulses” – skip levels, 1:1s, organizational systems, guilds & learning communities, code sharing. Sometimes through more explicit impulses – team reorganization, personnel changes, goal setting & organizational mandates.

Regardless of the input, leadership is a continual effort of helping teams stay in a state of aligned flow. When they are there, low effort has a large impact.