I work design firms across the country. I am amazed by how much thought and consideration they put into their work - from every curve and angle drawn, to every pattern and weight chosen. They bring a design vision to life in such an intentional way.
So I wonder, why don’t place these same considerations into designing their internal operations?
Instead, firms are often organized around a piecemeal of programs and initiatives adopted as issues arise - ideas emerge - or circumstances change. This lack of thoughtful, integrated design means that things don’t fit nicely together. Priorities and initiatives clash with each other, and fight for people’s time, energy, and focus.
What is missing is an Organization Master Plan
As any architect will explain, good design is inspiring, grounding, and contributes to the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants. And a good design starts with a Master Plan. This is done by narrowing down a style and aesthetic, and creating a holistic framework around important variables. I believe the same holds true for an organization.
Architecture Master Plan Objectives
preserving the unique character of an area
improving a community’s livability
bolstering the investment
ensuring the desired change
Organization Master Plan Objectives
collective understanding of where the firm wants to stand out and call attention to itself
optimal collaboration and results
team social capital
regular feedback analysis
A firm’s Organization Master Plan should define where you want to stand out and call attention to yourself. From this a simple business and operational focus is defined in a way that every member of the team understands it, embraces it, and can bring it to life in their everyday activities. You don’t need a plethora of programs and initiatives to accomplish this - your Organization Master Plan will do the work. The results will be more time and energy to focus on the things that matter the most for the firm, and for the teams that power it.
Want to create an Organizational Master Plan for your firm? We will be introducing workshops in 2024, or you can bring us into your firm to work with your teams one on one.