Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else

I've always appreciated the insights of Patrick Lencioni as he has gone beyond finance, strategy and MBA analysis of organizations. He has focused on the environmental issues that hinder productivity and negatively affect those who engage with the organization.  I am in 100% agreement with his conclusion that organizational health trumps vision, strategy, finance and talent.  This is especially relevant when you are working with an organization that is defined by God as a Body.

Imagine being a smart, talented, rich person who is continually sick and plagued with chronic disabilities that must be overcome.  Compare that person with the less intelligent, less talented, less financially blessed person who is healthy, motivated and rarely experiences "sick days."  Who has the advantage?  

Here is a paragraph that caught my attention from Lencioni's most recent book, The Advantage - Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business."

"Becoming a healthy organization takes a little time. Unfortunately, many of the leaders I’ve worked with suffer from a chronic case of adrenaline addiction, seemingly hooked on the daily rush of activity and firefighting within their organizations. It’s as though they’re afraid to slow down and deal with issues that are critical but don’t seem particularly urgent. As simple as this may seem, it remains a serious obstacle for many dysfunctional organizations led by executives who don’t understand that old race-car drivers’ axiom: you have to slow down in order to go fast."  Patrick Lencioni - The Advantage 

Romans 12 gives us a description of a healthy body.  In fact, paying attention to the relational health of the church is even classified as a warning in verses 3 through 5.  In our zeal to do God's work we often neglect to be God's Body.  God wants us to be light  and salt  and to be known by our love for one another.  He will do great things through His church when it becomes healthy.

Vision, productivity and financial stability are the natural by-products of a healthy organizational environment.  Dysfunction, financial chaos, employee turnover and declining performance are the by-products of neglecting organizational health.

Check out Acts 2.  Devotion to God's Word . . . Devotion to each other . . . Devotion to prayer . . . Generosity toward each other . . . Praising . . . Positively impacting those outside the church.  How does this description of a healthy church match up with what is happening in your church?

ReFocused Ministry has a great assessment tool and consulting strategy to help restore organizational health to your church.  We also offer personal coaching, one-day realignment conferences and team building workshops.  Contact us, we would love to help you refocus.