Is your company too familiar?
In the corporate world, the idea is often spread that a company should function like a family. This image sounds attractive at first: harmony, support and a sense of security are at the forefront. In practice, however, this metaphor can have considerable disadvantages, especially if performance and goal orientation are neglected.
Families are characterized by cohesion and consistency. These values are of great importance in personal life, but can be a hindrance in a business context.
Why the family metaphor is problematic
In families, maintaining the status quo often takes precedence over change, while companies rely on flexibility and innovation. In a dynamic economy, companies must constantly adapt in order to remain competitive.
A family is geared towards stability, but a company is about clear goal orientation and measurable success. Companies should therefore be seen more as a performance community in which excellence and determination are paramount. Such a community makes it possible to achieve great goals, because people are prepared to take on challenges.
The characteristics of a joint venture
- Clear target orientation: The focus is on measurable goals that determine the success of the company. Everyone in the team should know the goals and understand why they are important. Without clear direction, a company quickly loses momentum.
- Flexibilityät: Structures should be geared towards goals, not personal preferences. A flexible organization adapts quickly to changes and seizes opportunities. In a performance community, everyone is prepared to adapt to the requirements.
- Compliance with standards: Clear standards and expectations promote a culture of excellence. While indulgence is often practiced in families, in a company everyone needs to know what is acceptable and what is not. Adhering to standards ensures long-term success.
- Adaptability: Roles and responsibilities must continuously adapt to the requirements of the market. A successful company must continue to develop, while rigid structures lead to stagnation.
- Focus on results: While families are focused inwards, companies must have an outward impact. Success is measured by the added value the company creates for customers and the market. The performance community looks outwards in order to achieve real results.
Conclusion
A company is not a family, nor should it function like one. As a leader, it is your responsibility to create an environment that fosters excellence. Empathy and collaboration are important, but they must always serve the common goals.
To the author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer. Book author. Consultant. Coach. Speaker. www.volkmarvoelzke.ch
