One of the phrases that is often used in the Organizational ReWilding® methodology is “Structure, Clarity, and Focus.” While not a key element package, these important concepts underpin many of the principles and lessons that are part of the methodology. The purpose of this article is to take a closer look at what makes this phrase so meaningful—first by defining each term in the phrase and then connecting them to specific key elements.
Structure, Clarify, and Focus are how an organization overcomes the inherent chaos and disorder that exist in human organizations. Every person in an organization thrives more when these characteristics are present.
These terms are not narrowly defined by the Organizational ReWilding® methodology because they can mean different things in different situations—to the organization, the leader, and the team. Particularly during a transition zone, Structure, Clarity, and Focus can mean virtually anything that increases those three characteristics within the organization.
Understanding that the terms are intentionally left open-ended to some degree, here are some thoughts on what is meant by each component of this phrase.
Structure
Structure permeates our world; we see it in biology, architecture, culture, music, and more. Just because it is prevalent, however, does not mean it is spontaneous. The default condition is chaos, and structure requires conscious thought and intentional action.
Within a business, structure provides:
A foundation upon which different people can accomplish tasks in similar ways, by defining the task and the best way to do it.
Organization for both the work that is being done and the formal relationships within the business that are required to complete the work.
A rhythm and cadence, setting expectations and establishing routines to save time and energy.
Enduring structures are those that have been adopted thoroughly enough by an organization to achieve consistency throughout and can be maintained even when people leave the organization.
Some examples of structure within Organizational ReWilding include Position Role Sheets, One-to-One Process, and Master Processes.
Clarity
Clarity refers to a state of lucid perception or understanding, and is only attainable when uncertainty and ambiguity have been removed.
An organization needs clarity in order to both define the work and the way it should be performed. There are two key contributors to clarity within an organization:
Common language. Shared definitions and terminology enable individuals to operate more efficiently and consistently.
A roadmap. When a team is clear on where the organization is headed and has a shared goal, it can eliminate energy spent on tasks that do not contribute to achieving the goal.
Some examples of clarity within Organizational ReWilding include Revenue Groups, Brand & Core Values, and the definition of Business Development (Marketing generates leads, Sales turns leads into revenue, and Customer Service keeps the revenue coming).
Focus
Focus is a concentrated direction of effort or thoughts. Focus allows energy to be directed to the most important initiatives by eliminating alternatives that vie for resources and attention.
In an organization, focus is achieved when everyone involved knows what is important and what is not important.
While leaders can often operate with ambiguity, most employees need direction to be able to prioritize. When individuals are clear on priorities, they can concentrate their efforts. By contrast, unfocused individuals expend energy across a wide range of tasks, many of which are not critical at that point in time. Such lack of focus results in dissipated energy, causing an organization to oscillate instead of advance.
Some examples of focus within Organizational ReWilding include the Important-Urgent Matrix, Position Role Sheets, Supervision, Departmental Mission, and Interdepartmental Planning.
Learn more about how Organizational ReWilding can bring Structure, Clarity, and Focus to your business.