Leadership Corner: How to Work in an Organization

How to Work in an Organization

Key Thought: Developing the skill of working with others will enable you to accomplish more                               than you could accomplish alone.

Introduction

Working with others is difficult and challenging yet the principle of synergy teaches us that together we can accomplish more. This is true whether two people are team teaching a Sunday School class or a person is part of the pastoral team of a church or you are working in an organization such as a non profit, denomination or a business. Despite the importance of working together very little is taught or written about how to work effectively in an organization. Dr. Gordon T. Smith in his book "Courage and Calling" sets forth great wisdom on how to work with and within organizations (see chapter 9 of the book). What follows are some bullet points and quotes from Dr. Smith's book.

Character Qualities

"Mature character is the most critical characteristic that enables us to work effectively within organizations." This includes the following:

• developing your capacity to listen
• being faithful and dependable in whatever is given to you, big or small
• treat everyone with whom you work with grace, dignity and honor

Think Globally; Act Locally

"We are most effective, regardless of our particular role within the organization, when we do our own work well - when we act locally - in a way that takes account of the big picture. We work not in isolation but with the whole organization in mind. This includes the following:

• we work towards the mission of the organization
• we work within the financial realities of the organization
• we are committed to effective communication

Think in Terms of Complimentary Capacities

"We are most effective when we see, appreciate and rely on the complementary strengths, abilities and perspectives of others".

Learn How to Share Power

"Effective organizations thrive where there is a pattern of shared power. This means that we treat others first and foremost as colleagues - rather than as people who report to us or to whom we report".

Accept and Work within the Limits and Strengths of the Organization

"This does not mean that we tolerate mediocrity; rather it means that we pursue excellence within the context of our particular situation and its potential rather than constantly complaining about what we wish did characterize our situation".

Learn to be Effective in the Midst of Change

"People who are effective within organizations are also those who are prepared to adapt to and be effective through change. Change is a constant in every organization". Here are some basic skill necessary in working well through change:

• maintain a fundamental flexibility
• develop the capacity to adapt to changes
• see change as an opportunity for growth and learning

Conclusion

My favorite piece of advice from Dr. Smith about working with others is, "make your area of responsibility an island of excellence". Let each one of us make that resolution and together God will use us in great ways.

Willie Kirchhofer

August 2, 2018