subject: What Kind Of Structure Do You Have In Place To Support You? [print this page] Structures? What do you think of when you hear that word? Does it make you feel confined? Or do you feel a sense of freedom? Believe it or not, structures can be freeing. Really! They don't have to be restrictive. Structures can help us manage commitments and responsibilities. Systems run smoothly with structures in place. Don't you feel a sense of relief when you know you can do A, B, C, and D?
In essence, a structure is a framework within which you operate. To use an analogy, a structure is like the framing and foundation of a house. Think about your systems, policies, and procedures. They are like the plumbing and electrical in a house. They are not much good without the structure, are they?! So, what does a business structure look like?
It is your mindset, your vision, and your business/marketing plan. It is around these where you set up all your policies and procedures so they are consistent within the framework.
I mentioned earlier two very important things: 1) structures are very important, and 2) structures are very liberating. To continue with the house analogy, a contractor does not put in the plumbing and the wiring without having the house framed in. Your business is the same way. You can't put policies and procedures in place unless you know that these policies and procedures are supporting, right? As an aside, setting up policies and procedures can seem rather arbitrary and confusing unless you have the business structure in place first. Conversely, policies and procedures seem very clear and straightforward when they are used to support the business structure.
It may seem counter-intuitive to claim that a structure is liberating, yet a business structure is just that! Since you have the foundation you are then free to incorporate anything you feel will support this structure. That is, you have the freedom to be creative, express yourself, and at the same time have it in alignment with your business mindset, vision, and your business/marketing plan.
As you look at your business can you identify your framework? Do you have a vision? A defined mindset? A business/marketing plan? Or do you have a mish-mash of policies and procedures which attempt to be a substitute for your foundation? If you have the latter (and many of us do), what steps will you take today to begin to put up your framework?
