For much of my life, rules annoyed me. Regulation and policies were “inconvenient” and slowed progress. My perspective was, “Rules were made to be broken”. Some may refer to my viewpoint as visionary or creative. However, many other perceived my actions as it maverick, disrespectful, even rebellious. Whatever you call it, I have since learned to appreciate and place high value on structure (some might say that I appreciate it a little too much now).
Communication and Structure
Growing leaders and organizations realize that communication and structure are both critical components of teamwork. Each of the four organizations I worked with over the past 20 years experienced significant growth by addressing one or both of these areas. Some needed to give more attention to communication while others needed to address deficiencies in structure.
In a meeting with several of our leaders, I asked, How does appropriate structure facilitate effective teamwork? Their responses were insightful – Structure…
1. Provides proper motivation by continually reminding us that the goal is to accomplish the mission and vision of the institution. When every project or initiative is filtered through the vision of the organization, energy and passion increase, and the team gains momentum.
2. Provides direction. People want to follow someone who knows where they are going. Each leader should be continuously working on where we are going next.
3. Defines responsibilities. When we understand our work functions and those of our peers, we can more effectively deliver what’s expected.
4. Allows a team to track progress. Every team should celebrate progress often. Structure also alerts you to areas needing improvement.
5. Builds community. As team members understand more about the team, they are better prepared to work together to achieve extraordinary success.
6. Develops future leaders. A friend of mine said recently, Real success is achieved when your successor is successful.
Question: How does structure affect your work? Can you think of a time when better structure led to significant growth in your team or organization? Share in the comments.
Great post, Michael. One of my clients has resisted moving out of a free-form, entrepreneurial start-up mode by added needed structure for fear that doing so will hurt their company and their culture. You have outlined a clear rationale for why the right structure helps rather than hurts. Thank you!
Thanks my friend. Enjoy your weekend!
Depends on what the “regulations” are. Things are structured in N. Korea. So, I might tweak language a bit and say, optimum/ethical structure…something like that.
When i started writing my book, I was of the “no rules, just wing it crowd” …what a mess. I read Larry Brooks’ book, Story Engineering, and it was Godsend. It helped me realize that even if one claims not to like structure one is indeed searching for it in the midst of ones creation. We seek it instinctively. No matter what’s being searched for, that first plot point, context shift, second plot etc. We look for what draws people into the story/community/team. Deny all we want, but structure is what shelters an idea/story/team.
Great points Allen. I agree. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Have to admit, I’m still a fan of the no-rules, creative, maverick approach.
I know what you mean Steve. I’ve found that done structure is necessary for organizational health and growth. For example, payroll should be processed in an organized manner. Sales and performance data should be measured and analyzed to improve decision-making. Vision should be communicated regularly, etc.
Great thoughts! Have you read Collins newest? How the Mighty Fall? I am half way through it… also a great read!
Not yet, Lee. Looking forward to reading it and Great by Choice. Thanks for the encourgament.
Good thoughts…
Scripture to consider on these points…
Josh. 3:5; Col. 1:7-10; Num. 13:30; I Sam. 30:26; compare II Sam. 23:20-23 with II Kings 4:4
It’s neat–and essential–to study biblical examples of leadership!
I appreciate great examples of leadership – so much to be learned from them. Thanks Danya!