Happy Tuesday! Today we focus on organizational history and its role in achieving your vision.
There are some schools of thought that say when it’s time for an organizational transformation, you should let go of history and move forward with a fresh start. It sounds good, but is not so easily done. And may not be a great idea, anyway.
After all, there is some legacy in history, there is wisdom to be gleaned, and there are probably pieces of history that will provide invaluable context for your future. In fact, your organization’s values and culture are deeply rooted in history. The important point is that your organization’s history need not define its future.
If you study business history, you will find numerous stories of companies that had a well-defined vision and were quite successful in making progress in that direction. Then, as is inevitable, the market changes and companies adjust what they are doing to keep up with the market. This is fine to a point, but when you have changed what you offer so many times just to keep up with change, you will dilute your original purpose. The end result, a company that is moderately good at doing a few things, but is not the best in any of its markets.
In these situations, history will prove invaluable in helping the organization to refocus on its original purpose and concentrate on the things it does best. After all, we know that a person cannot be everything for everybody, nor can an organization.
Take a few minutes today to consider your organization’s history and vision. What lessons are there to be learned?
As you do this, it might serve you well to rate these areas. 1 = weak and 10 = strong.
How well versed are you in your organization’s history?
WEAK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 STRONG
How well versed in the history and values are your employees?
WEAK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 STRONG
Is the vision of the organization compelling and easily communicated?
WEAK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 STRONG
Are you and your employees committed to your organization’s vision?
WEAK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 STRONG
Can you and your employees build upon the vision of the organization?
WEAK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 STRONG
For more insight and great case studies with respect to the power of vision and history in your organization, pick up Practically Radical by William C. Taylor. It’s an interesting and informative read.
“See” you tomorrow!
