Looking for new ways to thrive in an increasingly competitive world?

Try ditching your org chart.

Think we’re kidding? Then it’s time you look at your organizational chart with a fresh set of eyes. Sure, it’s one of the most ubiquitous elements of the modern workplace. Yes, it’s comforting to have a visual hierarchy of who’s who in your business. But all that structure and rigidity might be holding your organization back.

A recent post by David Burkus recommends a newer, more fluid approach to organizing your company’s structure – using successful Broadway production teams as a model. Citing research by Brian Uzzi of Northwestern University and Jarrett Spiro of INSEAD, Burkus explains that the fluidity and project-based nature of Broadway production teams make them an ideal model for organizing your business.

Notably, the highest-performing Broadway production teams had a combination of closely connected colleagues (who had worked well together in the past), as well as new individuals who brought required expertise to the “project.” These teams were well equipped to tackle the challenges of producing a show, benefitting from the experiences of known colleagues and the fresh ideas of newcomers.

Bringing Broadway to Your Business

While we certainly don’t recommend ditching your organizational chart entirely, use these tips to keep your structure flexible enough to respond to changing business demands:

• Think of the future. Be willing to let go of the way you’re structured today, in favor of a framework that will make you competitive over the next three to five years.
• Identify the major functions of your business (e.g., sales and marketing, operations, finance, administration), and list the key responsibilities of each. Use these functions as the primary organizational elements for your business org chart. Then, be willing to “pencil in” everything below it – forming fluid teams around your problems, services and/or products.
• Assign one person to each function, and then hold that individual accountable for leading and delivering results – by assembling teams and organizing work in the most practical ways possible for your current operating environment. As conditions and demands change, this person should have the authority and ability to make necessary changes to the roles and hierarchy within his function.

Your Organization is Changing.

Exact Staff’s Solutions Keep Pace.

The rapidly changing nature of work requires your organization to be able to turn on a dime. Exact Staff is here to help you stay flexible. Together, we can develop a staffing strategy to address your top priorities – and respond seamlessly to shifts in your business. Contact our national staffing services today.