When an organization is not functioning properly, the first factor criticized is often the people within the organization. Reality is, People rarely are the main issue or cause. Robert Watts Jr. wrote a book titled, “People Are Never the Problem.” His book deals with a different topic than this article and I deal in opportunities, not problems. Yet, I like the title and it is appropriate.
When an organization is not functioning effectively or properly, it is rarely a people issue. The issue normally lies with the processes set within the organization. That’s right. Your “problems” if you deal with problems are not the people within the organization. Rather they are likely indeed with the processes.
Why was Southwest by far the most successful airline for its first twenty-five years in business? Because it had fruitful processes, effective systems in place. How did Chick-fil-A from 2011 to 2018 increase its revenue annually by 15 percent when the market average was less than 3.5 percent? Because Chick-fil-A builds the same fruitful processes within each employee in every store.
What I refer to as processes, Craig Groeschel, in Lead Like It Matters, refers to as systems. Processes/systems are those repetitive actions you use to accomplish your goals and advance the mission of your organization. Groeschel says systems are how you accomplish your what.
Every organization has systems/processes for doing. Some processes are intentional, others are not. The processes used regularly in your organization are either moving your organization forward toward your goals and fulfilling your mission, or they are holding you back. The results you are getting right now are the precise results your processes are designed to deliver. Check your processes. It’s not your people.
When was the last time your organization’s leadership examined your processes for accomplishing your goals and your mission? If you’re not completely satisfied with the fruitfulness of your organization, before criticizing your people, begin with these questions;
1, What processes/systems are being practiced that need to be overhauled or buried?
2, What new processes need to be put in place?
3, What will the results of this new process look like?
4, What needs to happen by whom to achieve fruitful results?
5, How can we encourage and exhort the expected behaviors from members of our organization?
There were many airlines flying during Southwest’s first twenty-five years. There are many fast-food restaurants in business today. Why did these two excel far above the others? It’s Not your people.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.