The Power of Organized Leaders

The achievements of an organization are the results of combined effort of each individual.
- Vince Lombardi

In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demands that Linus change the TV channel, threatening him with her fist he didn’t. “What makes you think you can walk right in her and take over?” asks Linus.

“These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually they’re nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold.”

“Which channel do you want?” asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, “Why can’t you guys get organized like that?”

In order for your company to perform at optimum levels it will require an organized leader at the helm. Jack Welch said, “An organization’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.” And this is why an organized leader is so valuable. An organized leader adds value to his company in the three specific ways.

Organized leaders build confidence. Organizations are powered by confident leaders. When the leader is organized he creates a sense of purpose and order that lends credibility to its mission. A confident team has a competitive advantage because it is not wasting energy trying to make sense out of chaos.

Brian Tracy said, “Whatever we expect with confidence becomes our own self-fulfilling prophecy.” And this is the power that organized leaders give to their team. An organized team operates with a sense of expectancy that delivers extraordinary results during uncommon times.

If organizational skills are not your strong suit then you must surround yourself with an administrative team that can help you deliver what your team needs to succeed. Your team will be hard pressed to do well if a strong organizational structure is not in place.

Organized leaders build camaraderie. Team members thrive in an environment where organization is strong. While strong organization is no guarantee for good morale, it does give life to the possibility. If you have a sense of low morale or productivity in your organization give consideration to the thought that it may not be personality conflicts at the root of your problem but organizational ones.

It is unreasonable to have high expectations for your corporate performance if the organizational structure it needs is fractured. But when the necessary tools are in place the ability to prosper is enhanced. When team members work together in an environment where camaraderie is the norm rather than the exception then good things will happen.

Sammy Davis, Jr. said, “The success of the Rat Pack or the Clan was due to the camaraderie, the three guys who work together and kid each other and love each other.” And this is the genius of a leader who understands that more can be accomplished through camaraderie as a team than ever could be imagined without it. Strong organization and camaraderie are foundations upon which to build your company strong.

Organized leaders build continuity. While continuity of mission and purpose is the product of a strong organizational structure; flexibility to adapt to changing environments is critical to its livelihood.

Michael Porter said, “The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they are mutually reinforcing.” Organized leaders welcome reinforcement that blends its core values with a deep seeded commitment to improvement. As the leader grows comfortable with the process the company can thrive.

As continuity of mission and purpose is established within the organization it gives credibility to the ultimate rite of passage which is succession. A strong leader does not build the organization upon his shoulders. It is crafted in the hearts and through hands of his dedicated team.

The lineage of your company’s values and mission is a testament to the power of an organized leader who builds confidence, camaraderie, and continuity. The power of your organization shapes the legacy of your leadership.



© 2010 Doug Dickerson