In my last post I described how a Tree is a metaphor for an organization. Let me introduce the Wheel as another great metaphor for organizational performance, practice and personality.
The Tyre: Organizational Performance
In this metaphor, the tyre – the outer part where the ‘rubber hits the road’ – represents an organization’s performance. We break these down into four main elements: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Relevance and Viability. To remain a high performing organization long term, each of these four elements must be continuously evaluated and enhanced.
The Tube: Organizational Practice
But the performance of the tyre is impacted by the quality and integrity of the tube that supports it. This represents organizational practice at all levels that we define as a commitment Strategic Leadership, to Accountable Stewardship, to Healthy Relationships, to Effective Teamwork and to the principles of Biblical Justice. Without equal and consistent focus on strengthening these five areas, the tyre is not rigid, and its performance is sluggish or downright dangerous.
The Hub: Organizational Personality
But even the tube requires its own stabilizing force. It needs a hub to support it, through which it is fed the air it needs and by which it is connected to the vehicle it seeks to move. At Enhance, what we call the personality of an organization is shaped by Context, Culture, Competence and Character, and it is these things that influence the quality of organizational practice and ultimately drives its performance.
Without a supportive context, healthy beliefs and values, competent team members, and people of strong character and integrity, the organization won’t make it far. And, like the roots of the tree, this is where you look to understand why performance is the way it is – both good and poor.
What drives your organization?
It’s worth taking the time to understand your organization, especially if you think you just aren’t quite hitting the levels of performance you’d like, or navigating the inevitable road bumps. High performing organizations understand this and spend time working on all parts of the wheel, but especially it’s hub – how is yours?
Find out more about how we can help you on your journey to understanding your “wheel” and onto greater impact!
