Some organizations, while appearing to be rock solid from the outside, are actually quite fragile and open to instability and possible collapse.
We have all seen in the past few years how quickly the scene can change when pressure is applied to businesses and their leaders.
Some possible signs of organizational instability:
- Short cuts, easy roads and quick fixes are usually taken instead of really looking at the causes of problems and creating viable long term solutions.
- There is a lack of transparency. Some aspects of the organization are clouded in secrecy and there is a lack of clear and credible information made available to staff.
- There is a sense of denial if things aren't going well and the "spin" that is given about the health of the organization doesn't match the cold hard facts.
- Dodgy deals are an accepted way of doing business.
- There is no clearly developed vision and strategy.
- There are weak financial foundations and governance structures.
- There are very few emergency or contingency plans as only continued success is talked about.
- Confidence in the organization becomes arrogance.
- There is a high turnover of staff, especially leaders.
Although the past few years have put enormous strains on many organizations, they have also forced important changes which will hopefully make these organizations more resilient in the future.
What can you do to strengthen the stability of your team and organization?
What are the greatest risks that your organization is currently facing and what is being done to manage those risks?
" True stability results when presumed order and presumed disorder are balanced. A truly stable system expects the unexpected, is prepared to be disrupted, waits to be transformed" - Tom Robbins
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Steve Bagi is the principal of Actuate Consulting and a consulting psychologist and speaker who has over 25 years of experience in leadership and organizational development. He specializes in helping staff teams to understand and develop their strengths, leading to greater individual and team effectiveness. Although based in Australia, Steve works with leaders throughout the world.
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