Why Organization Matters
Since coming on board as President of InfoMedia, Inc. a few months ago, one of the first things I did was to create some work files for the various projects that began crossing my desk immediately. They were files with titles like, Staff Matters, Financial Matters, Legal Matters, etc. As I began to get to know the company more thoroughly, I realized how much organization matters.
InfoMedia is a fifteen-year-old company that has carved its own path through the online world, having years of wild success and leaner years of struggle and recovery. Over the past three years in particular, after InfoMedia moved to Northern Colorado, the staff of three quickly grew to around twenty-seven. It was growth that created more success along with equally as much chaos.
Not surprisingly, this group of entrepreneurs, accustomed to flying by the seat of their pants, working off the cuff, and other such colorful metaphors, began to struggle with issues like constant interruptions, changing gears in mid-stream, not knowing who was responsible for what. These are brilliant people, mind you, most of whom are the creative type, and are used to working independently and with complete freedom.
Recognizing the chaos, I began to see where the breakdown in structure was occurring. Now, to be honest, the word structure may as well be a four-letter word to most entrepreneurs, but this is the point I want to drive home. Structure – to some degree – is necessary even for entrepreneurs. Without it, the brilliant work you are doing will suffer and be less profitable.
As I began to get to know the company and to work with the staff, it was easy to see where a little structure could make a huge difference. The structure came in the form of simple things like a company vision statement, job descriptions, and a more clear and accurate chain of command. With entrepreneurs it’s easy to have a lot of cooks working independently in their own kitchens. But when you are all working together toward the same goals, independence needs a little accountability and structure.
As you build your own business, don’t neglect the basics of structure. If need be, call in a consultant who can nail down the areas where your team is struggling, because at the end of the day, organization matters.
To Your Success,
Mary
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