Our study of the 12 Keys to an Effective Organization continues with keys #5 through #8.

(5) The effective organization has a focus on strengths. It’s often quite easy to discuss weakness with others. Both business and society seem to relish what individuals should do more effectively,

 but seldom do they explore the great potential for what exercising strengths can do to propel an individual, a business or organization to higher levels of achievement.

Effective organizations always take a higher approach when it comes to the arena of strength development and application. It is their contention that quite often a dedication to strength application will overcome prescribed weaknesses that individuals or entities may possess. Perfection, as it might relate to the individual or to the organizational processes, is simply a “pipe dream” in their view. Thus they are always in a state of constant improvement, as well as leveraging currently held and developing strengths for the overall fundamental betterment of all. As William Young Elliott pointed out, “Live in terms of your strong points. Magnify them. Let your weaknesses shrivel up and die from lack of nourishment.”

(6) The effective organization is united behind a common cause. There exists a special element of reality that seems to drive the operational endeavors of effective organizations. Whether that element be ruling a market segment, delivering world class customer service, achieving unquestionable profit, or being known as the very best place to work in an industry; the effective organization finds itself directed toward a common endeavor. Its culture embodies its associates’ every practice so that extraordinary actions become common day practices. This spirit of unification builds confidence, pride, teamwork and an unwavering dedication to insure that the business succeeds in its goals and aspirations. Despite time demands or market odds, the flame never falters for the effective organization.

One of the great examples of a common cause organization is Chic Fil-A. The founder, Truett Cathy, had one primary focus that he strived to convey: “Inspire more people.” That may seem too simplistic, but it has been a successful focus. That inspiration comes from providing great food and enjoyment to insuring that each guest feels valued and welcomed for their patronage. When you enter their outlets, that focus is evident all the way to the common response of “My pleasure.” Considering that approximately 70% of team members working in the restaurants throughout the country are under the age of twenty-one, it is a certainty that the culture of teamwork, pride, confidence and an unwavering dedication has permeated the minds and bodies of their team members. That common cause effort is alive and thriving every day of its operational excellence. As Truett Cathy pointed out, “We should ask ourselves what’s important and what’s not important. When you live by your convictions, people respect that. It’s important to be consistent in living your convictions.”

(7) The effective organization has contagious enthusiasm. Edward Bulwer-Lytton said, “Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm.” Enthusiasm is the foundational asset that enables goals to be accomplished. It is the unifying spirit that allows imagination to take root in one’s mind and springboards new ideas into reality. Without enthusiasm to inspire action, very little will ever be accomplished.

Southwest Airlines is a great example of such an enthusiastic organization. It continues to be one of the most profitable air carriers. In fact, since it became a public company in 1971, it has never had a money-losing year. Had one invested $10,000 in 1971’s public offering, it would be worth over $10 million dollars today. It is well run from an administrative point of view but also from a customer perspective. It has developed a reputation that when the airplane doors open, a unique experience begins.

Its famous CEO, Herb Kelleher, instituted not only a culture of profit, but a culture focused on having fun and growing enthusiasm among its loyal associates and patrons. Southwest became known for being highly devoted to providing its customer base the great freedom to fly that so many competitors have never attempted. The organization is more of a family atmosphere where every single associate goes all out to make every day the very best day possible not only for customers but for other associates. This unique culture of “great day” mindedness becomes infectious for even the most passive bystander. This unique focus enables everyone associated to keep their eyes focused on doing those things that build loyal clientele, which, in essence, leads to profit for the airline. Their success is confirmed.

How organizations approach their marketplace and visibly market their brand is vital to the overall success they achieve. While enthusiasm alone will not guarantee absolute success in an organization’s endeavors, it will result in greater success when visible and lived than within an organization that lacks enthusiasm. Having fun and building a culture that draws people toward it is a winning formula even in today’s unique business environment. When you catch enthusiasm, you know it. Those organizations that make the pitch perfect, truly experience the great results enthusiasm can provide.

(8) The effective organization has an unwavering team environment. Where people work together and think together, most often the result is achievement oriented. Teamwork is cooperation, and organizations that center their actions on such directives find that they quite often hold a marketable edge over their competitors. Effective organizations know that there is no “I” in team. Together they are productive. As NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The achievements of an organization are the result of the combined efforts of each individual.”

There is a story depicting how bees survive winters through teamwork. The bees consolidate into a ball and keep the ”buzz” alive. Similar to migrating geese, the bees change places. The bees that have been on the outside subjected to the cold, move to the middle and those in the middle move to the outside to take their turn. In doing so, they are able to survive and thrive during the cold weather. If they did not work together as a team and move in and out, the entire hive would perish.

That unwavering team environment works for the bees in the same manner as it does for effective organizations. The goal is focused on the organization and what can be contributed by all, to enable the organization to survive, flourish and be successful in the marketplace. When the true essence of teamwork is alive, there is virtually nothing that the organization cannot accomplish.

Next Month - 4 More Keys!