Foresight?

Colleagues,
 
The dynamics of this pandemic are intensified by political and cultural upheaval and conflict in a way that makes it very difficult for leaders to see a clear path forward. The calculus seems to change daily based on a complex hodge-podge of data, opinion, feeling, and perspective.
 
This is a good time to revisit the nature of organizations and their implications on the problems we face.

Remember there are six dimensions of organizations:

1. Purpose: why the organization exists
2. People: the people who work within the organization
3. Structures: the physical building and spaces, as well as the written rules and policies
4. Resources: time, money, and expertise
   
5. External forces: things that happen outside of and beyond the control of the organization, but which impact it
6. Internal factors: the organizational culture, resulting from the interplay of purpose, people, structures, and resources

An external force like this pandemic can wreak havoc on organizations because the people, structures, and resources that might have worked before may not work now. Note that the organization and its purpose haven’t changed, but the external forces have created or increased misalignment.
 
Given this, leaders should be asking these questions daily:

1. How does the current situation stress my people, structures, and resources?
2. Is our purpose still relevant and appropriate?
3. Do people have the skills and support they need to adapt behaviors to changing conditions?
4. What spaces and rules need to change?
5. How are our resource assets and needs changing?
6. How does the pandemic’s impact on people’s lives play out in the organization?

 
As you read this, I’ll be getting back to work after two weeks of doing other things, and I will be asking myself these exact questions.
 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick