Blog by Adin Becker and Kathryn Lang
We have released a new episode in our podcast series Leadership, Organizing, and Action featuring HKS Professor Marshall Ganz. In the sixth and final episode of this series, Marshall Ganz discusses creating structure as an essential practice in organizing. He explains that structure is not a rigid hierarchy, but rather the commitments that people make in order to work together toward collective goals. Drawing on his extensive experience in organizing, Ganz introduces four structural tensions that organizations will navigate: Change vs. continuity, inclusion vs. exclusion, unity vs. diversity, and parts vs. whole.
Marshall Ganz also outlines how modern organizations tend to struggle with balancing these tensions. This is particularly true in the ongoing shift from self-governing associations to donor-dependent NGOs. Using a UAW strike as an example, Ganz shows how democratic structures can be revamped when members reclaim their power. He argues that effective structures push responsibility “out and down” while maintaining coaching and integration, accept dissent without treating it as disloyalty, and promote genuine collaboration.
Ganz finishes the series by discussing the importance of celebrating both victories and losses. He claims that celebrating losses is more impactful than celebrating wins, as it can help transform setbacks into learning opportunities rather than causes for becoming demoralized. Through examples including the announcement of MLK’s assassination and Jacinda Ardern’s response to the Christchurch massacre, Ganz illustrates how leaders can support communities as they process loss while preserving hope and agency.
To learn more about Marshall Ganz’s work and the five key practices of people, power, and change, visit:
- Practicing Democracy Project: As Marshall’s faculty-led program, the Practicing Democracy Project leverages its position at a major research university and educational gathering place for leaders from around the world to engage with students, scholars and practitioners to advance democratic practice globally.
- Leading Change Network: An independent 501(c)(3) organization for a global community of organizers, practitioners, educators and researchers catalyzing change through the power of narratives, rooted in the pedagogy and practice of community organizing.
Leadership, Organizing, and Action is a 6-part podcast series highlighting the five key practices of people, power, and change. Listen to episodes 1 – 6.