a systems approach to revitalizing organizations

A Systems Approach to Revitalizing Organizations

Barbara HarrisonABWA Round Up

Tubac, Arizona

August 24, 2014

1

Elements of an Organization

Reward Systems

People

Processes

Structure

Strategy

Adapted from Jay Galbraith www.jaygalbraith.com/services/starmodel.html

Behavior

Perfor-mance

Culture

Customer

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Ext

ern

al E

nvi

ron

men

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xternal E

nviro

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ent

2

External EnvironmentFactors beyond the

boundary of the organization

that may directly or indirectly

affect its performance or

outcomes such as:

- The economy

- Role of women in business

- Demographics

- Technology

3

Diagnostic Questions

• How has the external environment changed in the past decade?

• How do these changes affect ABWA’s vision or mission? The needs of its customers?

• How can ABWA remain relevant?

Customer

Receives value from the

products or services of the

organization

Communicates needs and

interests

Provides feedback on

value received

4

Who is ABWA’s Customer?


• What value does ABWA provide to its customers?

• What other organizations provide similar or better value? Who is ABWA competing with for members?

• What is ABWA doing to attract new customers?

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Leadership National Level:

Sets direction for the Organization

Determines empowerment

Provides organization-level communication

Establishes the culture and models

critical behaviors

Chapter Level:

Sets direction for the Chapter

Provides information to members

Models the culture and critical behaviors

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• How effective are the leaders at all levels?

• What examples do they set for others?

• Are leaders excited about the vision and mission?

• What is the current organization culture? How well does this fit the membership?Le

ader

ship

Leadership

Strategy National Level:

Provides the organization vision, mission

Establishes National strategies and goals

Establishes overall direction and priorities

Sets financial objectives / expectations

Chapter Level:

Sets goals for the Chapter

Establishes direction and priorities for the

Chapter

Sets financial goals for the Chapter

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• Are the vision and mission still relevant in today’s environment? Do they set it apart from other groups?

• Is there a clear strategy for growing ABWA? Is it supported by resources?

• Are the financial goals realistic?

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Leadership

Structure National Level:

Creates the organization structure,

including Regional Councils, Chapters

Defines roles and responsibilities for

elected officers, Chapters, Councils

Creates project teams, as needed for

national-level activities

Chapter Level:

Tailors roles and responsibilities for

elected officers to fit Chapter needs

Creates project teams, as needed, for

local activities

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• Does the structure support the work of the ABWA?

• Are leader and member roles clear? Are the level and scope of responsibilities reasonable?

• Are there other organizations with whom a partnership would make sense?

• Do Chapters have the right level of empowerment?

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Processes National Level:

Creates and maintains organization operating

processes, such as:

Internal/external communication & meetings

Decision authority and decision making

Learning and personal development

Financial assistance (e.g. fundraising, grants)

Chapter Level:

Creates and maintains Chapter operating

processes, such as:

Communication and meetings

Decision making

Networking, member recruitment and retention

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• Which process work well? Which need to be improved?

• Does the right information get to where it needs to be?

• How effective are meetings? Conferences?

• Are decisions being made at the right level?

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Rewards & Recognition

National Level: Recognizes achievements of

Individuals, Councils, Chapters

Develops incentives for performance

Tracks and reports metrics

Chapter Level:- Recognizes member contributions

- Nominates Chapter members for

National awards

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• Are members/chapters being rewarded for behaviors and actions that support the vision and values of ABWA?

• Are members receiving the type of recognition they expect from membership?

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People National Level:

Sponsors leadership development activities and

programs

Provides marketing and member recruitment

and training strategies and support

Chapter Level:- Provides orientation for new members

- Supports member learning and development

- Enables sharing and development of

individual member knowledge and skills to

increase members’ business success

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• How effective is ABWA’s marketing to potential members?

• What knowledge and skills do members expect to gain? Do current programs provide these?

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Some Signs of Trouble• Declining membership• Lack of interest in organization events or resources• Members unwilling to take on leadership roles• Ineffective meetings; poorly attended meetings• Finger pointing and blaming; personal attacks• Organization ignores controversial topics that are

critical to its success• Members hesitate to ask for help or

provide constructive feedback• Revisit discussions and decisions

again and again• Missed deadlines for key deliverables• People are working toward individual goals

11

Visioning the future…

If ABWA were a vibrant organization, what would it look like?

What types of people would belong? What value would it provide? What would differentiate it from other organizations with similar membership?

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a systems approach to revitalizing organizations

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