ORGANIZATION; YOUR SECOND HOME

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Organization"?

For most of us, an organization is a structured team of individuals working together towards a shared goal, like a government agency or a private company. And yes, we’re right about that. An organization is a group, whether a company, agency, or team, built to achieve a specific purpose. But an organization isn’t just a group; it’s a vision in action. To arrive there, we need a clear plan, set milestones, and a map to turn our dreams into achievements.

Picture: My office cabin

Let’s consider an example: imagine I’ve started an interior design company. My passion and purpose are to design beautiful spaces for clients. But beyond design, my real goal is to bring client satisfaction to the highest level. This satisfaction depends on many factors, understanding the client’s vision, respecting their budget, ensuring timely availability of resources, and coordinating with skilled contractors. This is no job for one person alone. Client satisfaction does not come about by an individual. When experts from various backgrounds, each of whom has something different to bring to the table, come together to work for a common cause, we are an organization. The objective here is to execute the client's vision. And the soul of any organization is having a common goal. In order to achieve our objective, we need a well-coordinated team of architects, civil engineers, CAD drafters, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and painters. Each of them has an important role to play, and together we complete the project.

The Building Blocks of an Organization

All organizations are built on some fundamental building blocks, each of which ensures that it functions effectively:

1. People: The most crucial one. People bring an organization to life by contribute their own unique skills and abilities. In our interior design example, we rely on competent individuals with many different disciplines to create a project. Without them, the organization's purpose could not be fulfilled.
2. Purpose: A shared purpose is what drives any organization. Without purpose, an organization lacks direction. Our purpose here is client satisfaction through excellence in design.
3. Process: Well-defined process serves to guide an organization from plan to action. It's the chart that leads an organization from concept to completed product with all steps properly executed and successfully delivered.
4. Structure: Structure provides the hierarchy and framework that holds the organization in place. Structure ensures there is proper role assignment and a flow downwards of accountability so everyone knows what they need to do. Being well organized ensures it's straightforward to talk about and share in common endeavors without unnecessary overlap and bottlenecks.
5. Technology: In today’s fast-evolving world, technology is the backbone of progress. The use of the most advanced technology makes organizations competitive, efficient, and green. For instance, in interior design, using 3D modeling software allows clients to see designs in a virtual space, easier to collaborate on and expectations clearer.

Characteristics of a Thriving Organization

• Goal-Oriented: Everything is related to a shared goal, so that everyone in the team is moving in the same direction.
• Form-Follows-Function: The organization's structure is adapted to the needs of its objectives, and not vice versa. For example, the team structure in our interior design company mirrors the various functions that are required for the successful completion of every project.
• Decentralized Decision-Making: This encourages autonomy, whereby individuals in their role are permitted to make decisions in the best interest of their field of expertise. A carpenter, for example, can make spontaneous decisions on materials and finishes that enhance project outcomes.
• Reward System: Recognizing and rewarding fuels motivation, and motivation further boosts productivity. When people feel appreciated, they put more energy and passion into their work.
• Clear Communication Channels: Effective companies thrive on open communication. When architects, engineers, and contractors freely communicate in the given context, project delays are minimized, and everyone stays on the same page.
• Minimizing Win-Lose Situations: Healthy organizations focus on cooperation, not competition. In the team above, all work together for client satisfaction, with shared responsibility for project outcomes rather than competing for credit.
• Quality Ideas with Little Conflict: When diverse perspectives come together, they often spark innovation. However, a great organization manages interpersonal conflict effectively, creating an environment where ideas can flourish harmoniously.
• Form-Follows-Function: The organization's structure is adapted to the needs of its objectives, and not vice versa. For example, the team structure in our interior design company mirrors the various functions that are required for the successful completion of every project.
• Decentralized Decision-Making: This encourages autonomy, whereby individuals in their role are permitted to make decisions in the best interest of their field of expertise. A carpenter, for example, can make spontaneous decisions on materials and finishes that enhance project outcomes.
• Reward System: Recognizing and rewarding fuels motivation, and motivation further boosts productivity. When people feel appreciated, they put more energy and passion into their work.
• Clear Communication Channels: Effective companies thrive on open communication. When architects, engineers, and contractors freely communicate in the given context, project delays are minimized, and everyone stays on the same page.
• Minimizing Win-Lose Situations: Healthy organizations focus on cooperation, not competition. In the team above, all work together for client satisfaction, with shared responsibility for project outcomes rather than competing for credit.
• Quality Ideas with Little Conflict: When diverse perspectives come together, they often spark innovation. However, a great organization manages interpersonal conflict effectively, creating an environment where ideas can flourish harmoniously.

An organization is more than a structure; it's a living, breathing thing energized by purpose, people, and process. Every business succeeds by putting those elements and characteristics into practice, whether it is through space design, bridge construction, or the provision of necessary services, generating a strong force that turns visions into reality.

I hope you work in an environment that inspires and motivates you, where you may grow personally and professionally, feel appreciated, and find peacefulness. Leave a comment with your ideas! Describe the area of your workspace where you spend the majority of your time. How do you feel about it? Tell us what you believe could make the atmosphere happier and more satisfying if there is space for improvement.