Let's Talk Organizations
For a moment, let's think about organizations.
We've all been part of one (or a few) over the years. I know my name has shown up on the roster of at least a dozen clubs and things going all the way back to when I wasn't quite in the double-digit ages.
Every one works a little differently, gets its "kick" and forward momentum in different ways. Some are driven firmly by membership, others by leadership and some by outside forces. Those different prime movers make for very different dynamics within the group.
Sometimes, those dynamics change. The normal membership may suddenly experience some major shift, removing your "regulars" from circulation for a time. More often, the leadership shifts and either brings in or drives away members. Sometimes external factors just wreak havoc on every plan made or imagined.
And so there is an ebb and flow to every group. When things ebb, momentum can be lost and things can seem quite dismal--especially to those that care about the organization's mission. Often this is the leadership, but not always. It beings to seem pointless to do anything more. What was once more fun than work, becomes more work with less reward.
When the flow really gets going, things can get exciting. They can also quickly flip to the "more work than fun" arena for those in charge. There's not much more disconcerting than having a small group with few problems suddenly become a large group where cliques and infighting pop up like weeds in a well-manicured lawn.
Every situation has its own challenges and every organization that lasts longer than a year faces the same types over time.
The tools to make anything work--or work better--are out there. Thanks to the Web, those tools and success/failure stories are easier than ever to find.
So, I ask you, oh loyal friends and readers: Tell me a story of the best organization you've ever been part of. What made it work so well? Why did you leave it (if you've left it)? How could it be better? And, finally, what drew you to it in the first place?
Once I have my answers, I'll let loose with some of my own stories... though I think many of you have heard the before.
Comments
Organizations
Oh, I've been parts of organizations alright. I'd say the best ones are the ones where there was a central driving force at the top of the leadership chain. Usually the visionaries who keep things moving forward, worry about what comes next, do the teaching, and manage to smooth egos so that everyone works well together. Alas, I wish it were more broad-spread than that, with everyone doing their part to keep it going... definitely in those groups there was more enthusiasm and checks & balances among the membership, but really what kept it going are those charismatic types who can "keep the loonies from taking over the assylum."
The first I left because it was time... I'd taught my students so well that I was redundant and they could fly without me - and I was moving 350 miles away.
The second, I'll be reducing to part-time status because the workload is just so high that I'm physically and mentally burnt out - but more it's the physical, so that I just can't contribute like I need to to be a real part of the team.