Each year at this time, the media and a lot of others watch for the yearly WorldBlu List of Most Democratic Workplaces™. To be on the list an organization must submit a carefully designed employee survey of it's operation demonstrating that it is indeed democratically run. Forty organizations made it to the 2009 List, several for a third year.
Even though democratic management is widely accepted as an excellent way for an organization to sustain growth, it's sad to note that as of yet, no school has made it on WorldBlu's List. Sad, because compelling evidence shows that it is the fear and control management style of our schools more than the teaching or the curriculum that has kept our schools from becoming fully effective as learning communities.
If you doubt that our schools could be transformed through democratic management, then read below some of the words of some executives whose organization made the noted 2009 WorldBlu List. As you read, think about what they these leaders do that might be applied to our schools:

(From WorldBlu's Press Release, April 14, 2009)
Dave Balter, founder and CEO of Boston-based word-of-mouth media company BzzAgent
concurs, “An open and transparent workplace ultimately leads to a successful business. Creativity and freedom of expression are key ingredients for our sustained growth.”

“Hypertherm believes associates who have a strong say in improving the workplace and a strong stake in the results are more productive, take a greater sense of pride and ownership in their work, and are more committed to delivering what is best for the customer,” comments Richard Couch, the President and Founder of the Hanover, New Hampshire-based company.

Mike Ferretti, CEO of Great Harvest Bread Company, headquartered in Dillon, MT, agrees, “Democratic practices are central to our organization because empowered, happy owners run amazing and profitable bakeries. The longevity and success of our company speaks volumes about the value of democratic principles in the workplace.”

“Everyone at Seventh Generation has a voice,” says Jeffrey Hollender, President and Chief Inspired Protagonist of the Burlington, Vermont-based company. “There’s no doubt in my mind that our investment in people and their capacity to contribute to our success is working.”

“At DaVita, we are truly a community first and a company second. We believe that every company can be a community that makes a difference in the lives of all it has the privilege to touch,” explains Kent Thiry, Chairman and CEO of DaVita Inc.®, located in El Segundo, CA. “Our hope is that this approach adds more value to the American health system, not just in savings, but also in transparency and accountability.”

Rob Everts, Executive Director of Equal Exchange, based in West Bridgewater, MA, states, “Some may ask us why we’ve brought democracy into the workplace. To them we ask ‘why have you kept it out?’ Democracy, wherever it can take hold, does not need to be justified.”

“Organizational democracy is inevitable,” comments Traci Fenton, Founder and President of WorldBlu. “The Internet, the demands of Generations X and Y to have a voice at in the workplace, and the Gallup Organization’s report that nearly two-thirds of US workers (It may be higher for teachers.) are disengaged at work are causing (organizations) to rethink their management models and embrace a more democratic style."