ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: SEVEN DRIVERS OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS

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When a serious attempt is made at improving organizational performance, it must be realized that change will take place. This change will not only affect the individuals in leadership roles. It will in addition touch those that the individual is charged to lead. The leaders will begin to lead in a new way and with a new level of energy. This new style and energy will raise the overall expectations of both the leader and those they lead.

As a result of new insight gained, it can be expected as a minimum that the following drivers of organizational change will be affected to some or even to a great degree. A more highly energized leadership team will most often seek to build off of known organizational strengths mitigate weaknesses and to more precisely define and articulate:

• A clear mission statement – Why do we exist? What is our organizational purpose?
• A compelling vision – What clearly describes our future desired state? What fulfills the mission?
• A solid strategy – What is the logic and tactics that will ensure the mission and vision will be achieved?
• A reevaluation or restatement of organizational values – What are the values the organization will both espouse and live by, that will satisfy all stakeholders’ needs? What culture do we want to create?
• A greater focus on sustainability, growth and talent – What do we need to be doing today for our survival? What do we need to be doing to ensure future growth? What talent do we need to do both?
• A strong emphasis on creativity, innovation and implementation – What products, services or other deliverables will support personal and organizational growth? How do you take these from a dream to reality?
• A possible structure change – How do we best organize to bring about the changes needed to facilitate new organizational demands, desires strategies and needs?

My research on dynamic organizations and practical experience as both a leader and an internal/external leadership coach, has shown how important the understanding of the above stated conditions are in developing an organization that can effectively navigate in today’s environment. The seven statements and what they imply set the stage for insightful and proactive thought. They provide the building blocks needed to enhance the possibility of creating and building organizational success. They are the “touch-stones” that leaders can continually go back to when seeking a higher level of personal and organizational achievement.

In addition to the above, it is fundamental that the business aspect of the organization – profit or non-profit, public or private, business or government – be given serious consideration. As any organization comes together to play whatever game they were designed to win, of necessity that organization must demonstrate fundamental business acumen – generation of cash, profitable margins, return on assets, consistent and predictable quarter to quarter results or the collection of revenue to support the optimum distribution of service – to insure their on-going success.

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About Ingbretsen Consulting LLC:
Coach and author Roger Ingbretsen is a certified executive coach and organizational developer, providing organizational and career guidance to professionals, managers, supervisors and all individuals looking for "real world" career development and business information. His entrepreneurial approach will help you learn how to plan, lead and succeed in your career. Roger is the creator of the “Leadership Development Coaching Experience©” and author of the personal development reference eBooks, “Plan Your Career Now: The Survival Guide for the American Workplace” and “Master Your Career: Proven Strategies for Career Success©.” To know more and claim dozens of Rogers free articles go to www.ingbretsen.com or call 509 999 7008.

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