Separation-Alignment-Cohesion
In 1986, computer scientist Craig Reynolds created a computer simulation of flocking behavior using three simple rules applied to virtual 'boids' (bird-oids).
Control scales badly. Rules scale infinitely.
In 1986, computer scientist Craig Reynolds created a computer simulation of flocking behavior using three simple rules applied to virtual 'boids' (bird-oids). The emergent behavior was startlingly lifelike. Reynolds had discovered that complex flocking requires only three local rules: (1) Separation (Collision avoidance) - maintain minimum distance from nearby neighbors to avoid collisions; (2) Alignment (Velocity matching) - match the velocity (speed and direction) of nearby neighbors; (3) Cohesion (Stay with the group) - steer toward the average position of nearby neighbors. Each individual applies these rules continuously based on observations of its nearest neighbors (typically 6-7 individuals within a 'zone of awareness'). No individual observes the entire flock or knows the flock's overall direction - each responds only to local information. Yet globally, the flock behaves as a coordinated unit.
Business Application of Separation-Alignment-Cohesion
The three rules translate directly to organizational coordination: Separation means don't create negative externalities for adjacent teams; Alignment means observe and synchronize with upstream/downstream neighbors; Cohesion means individual decisions should advance overall organizational objectives without locally optimizing at the expense of global performance.