THE PARTY
Here’s the general idea of an organizational strategy with a true story.In 1980, the manager of a Creative Department got "volunteered" to chair the Halloween Party Decorations Committee.
He had to see and understand TWO REALITIES at once.
1. His first reality was the PRESENT.
He had agreed to be responsible for decorating the Halloween Party for 200-300 people. When he saw the venue - a huge (empty) warehouse with 15' ceilings - he was overwhelmed!2. His second reality was the FUTURE.
The live band would require a decorated, elevated stage...
...Plus, when the party was over, the warehouse had to be immaculate, as if nothing had happened.
Interestingly, he somehow thought he had to do everything himself! A Resource-of-One, what an ego trip! But, he could see that it was WAY too much work for one person!
First, he got furious! "How the hell did I ever get conned into this?" He thought about telling them to shove... well, never mind. These realities were quite palpable.
He must achieve certain objectives...
After he calmed down, he took stock of his resources: pencil & paper, and, ...aha! ... Phone numbers of those who bought tickets for the party.
Anything but certain. So, he took his pencil and paper and began planning. Hmmm, his Strategic Objective - his "Dream" - was a fantastic party!THE BIG DAY!
He thought, "This better be good. I'm missing Nick at Nite for this! Hmmm??? how COULD I create a party TEAM to obtain my Strategic Objective - to make my 'paper tiger' Dream a reality?"
He wrote down his basic goals, requirements and activities.
He created an Organization Chart. He knew he had to promote the idea. He knew he had to produce the result. There might be some expenses... He knew he had to divide the labor.
He drew a typical Corporate-America-style chart with himself at the top as "CEO" (Celebration Embellishment Officer), responsible for planning, organizing, promoting, delegating, etc.
He drew three boxes under CEO: MARKETING, OPERATIONS, and FINANCE.
MARKETING would promote the party and convey a spirit of fun and cooperation. Using a phone tree, he would have others call others to hype the party! "And by the way," they would ask, "How about bringing an outrageous Halloween decoration item!"
OPERATIONS would do party-time setup and breakdown of decorations and props. Again, he used a phone tree. They enrolled a few to show up early for set up, and others to help with post-party breakdown and clean up.
FINANCE would track and pay any expenses.
A meeting? No way! Who wants to drive in Bay Area traffic? By phone, he made agreements with people he could count on. In turn, they agreed to make agreements with people THEY could count on.
They kept in touch by occasional phone calls.
OK. It's now the day of the party... He shows up early. He’s terrified! "Yikes! What if those people don't keep their word?"
He paces back and forth. He worries himself into an excruciating frenzy! Soon, one man shows up with a couple of decorations... not much for a huge warehouse.
A costumed girl shows up to help - but there's nothing to work with... He doesn't need a costume because he looks like a ghost.
Suddenly, like an EXPLOSION, a couple dozen costumed people come with ladders, decorations, costumed mannequins, colored lights, you name it!
He watches his team create an amazing "Tunnel of Horrors" and set up the stage and sound system. The band shows up in costume...
...And then scores of partygoers show up - and all hell breaks loose! What a BLAST!
Later, at the appointed hour, the team shuts the doors to the silent and immaculate warehouse, leaving not a trace of the crazy party.
Did I mention there was no booze or drugs? No expenses either. His team members had gladly donated their time, talent and props.
And he hardly lifted a finger, thanks to his organizational strategy and delegation to people that could be counted on!
Plus, he documented everything for the next party... (I know this story is true because I was that guy!)
This example shows how an effective Organizational Strategy can work for any organization for about any purpose.
"But... but... if it's so easy..."
If it’s so easy, why don't (won't) people get organized?
(I’ll discuss why in the next blog.)
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Exercise for the Serious Organization Builder.
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