Hi Katy. This was a fascinating and thought-provoking piece - thank you for highlighting the cultural and environmental dynamics behind norm adherence.
As someone with experience leading high-stakes teams in extreme environments (like nuclear submarines), I’ve seen how both tight and loose mindsets manifest—often on the same team, in the same 24-hour watch cycle. We had to cultivate a culture where procedural compliance (tight) existed alongside innovation and creativity (loose). It wasn’t easy, but it was essential.
The insight that “tight cultures offer order, loose cultures offer openness” mirrors something I’ve written about before—particularly the idea that high-performing organizations don’t just tolerate tension, they share it. They negotiate it in real-time. Much like a jazz band, structure and improvisation are in constant interplay. One without the other leads to chaos or stagnation.
This article also reinforces the importance of psychological safety—where even junior voices feel empowered to speak up, challenge, or “buck the norm” when it counts. That’s not just good for creativity; it’s vital for safety and decision-making in complex systems.
Loved the framing of “tight-loose ambidexterity.” It should be a leadership KPI.
It is a good contrast of loose and tight cultres. Singapore is perhaps the only country in which any body whether he is native or non native can break their laws otherwise shall face the music.
The other nations must learn from their nice work for the welfare of their inhabitents. Katy and Michelle are appreciated for their good q/a which is very informative and interesting. Love and hugs to them!!
Hi Katy. This was a fascinating and thought-provoking piece - thank you for highlighting the cultural and environmental dynamics behind norm adherence.
As someone with experience leading high-stakes teams in extreme environments (like nuclear submarines), I’ve seen how both tight and loose mindsets manifest—often on the same team, in the same 24-hour watch cycle. We had to cultivate a culture where procedural compliance (tight) existed alongside innovation and creativity (loose). It wasn’t easy, but it was essential.
The insight that “tight cultures offer order, loose cultures offer openness” mirrors something I’ve written about before—particularly the idea that high-performing organizations don’t just tolerate tension, they share it. They negotiate it in real-time. Much like a jazz band, structure and improvisation are in constant interplay. One without the other leads to chaos or stagnation.
This article also reinforces the importance of psychological safety—where even junior voices feel empowered to speak up, challenge, or “buck the norm” when it counts. That’s not just good for creativity; it’s vital for safety and decision-making in complex systems.
Loved the framing of “tight-loose ambidexterity.” It should be a leadership KPI.
Thanks again for the great read.
—Matt DiGeronimo
Nice read
Love her research
It is a good contrast of loose and tight cultres. Singapore is perhaps the only country in which any body whether he is native or non native can break their laws otherwise shall face the music.
The other nations must learn from their nice work for the welfare of their inhabitents. Katy and Michelle are appreciated for their good q/a which is very informative and interesting. Love and hugs to them!!