I have been really exploring away to really breakout to do what God has really designed me for. In this process I began to reflect on my life and ended up focusing on my transition from Broadcast Media to Non-Profit Ministry.
The one thing I had trouble with, not really trouble with, more like trouble understanding was the lack of organization or structure in this new direction. I didn’t understand why an organization would not have policy or procedure, let alone clearly define job descriptions. I had internal resistance to the change, but after a few months things evened out and I realized the world is over structured or over organized. I realized the lines are squidgy for a reason. In time I rediscovered my true self, someone who enjoys running free with no fences. I many ways, I traded in my suit and IBM in for Birkenstocks and a MAC; which were my staples in college. Now I’m not saying we don’t need organization or structure, because we do but we don’t need it a unhealthy levels.
From my experience tight organizational barriers restrict growth, innovation, creativity, uniqueness, and individuality. The stifling causes inner-resistance and almost puts a governor on your dreams and desires. In many ways, it’s like baking cookies well past the edible phase and into hard rock that were once great cookie dough. At that point they are not good for anything, except for skeet shooting or a tasty paper weight. I tend to want to be half baked, or even better yet I want to be a fruitcake and stay in touch with my insanity.
I think we need more fruitcakes in this world and less bakers!
Matt,
I agree. I also wonder if some of the tight restrictions placed on some of our jobs are more about the humility of those who we work for. If a supervisor is willing to let others take ownership and take the reigns of something, and it doesn't matter who gets credit for the success of an idea or project, there seems to be so much more freedom, and, consequently, more productivity.
Very insightful and timely. I am in this exact struggle with my current job. Leaving an ULTRA structured environment to one that is very lose and job responsibilites are very different. I am struggling to find my balance in all of this.
I straddle the two worlds, being COO of an AV/comms company, but also music director and board member of my church – which while structured, is obviously less so since almost every aspect is vountary service and therefore more grace is naturally extended to those you are leading.
I've worked hard at loosening the reigns which existed with my predecessors at work, and the biggest barrier I've seen is actually my staff's expectations of having their ideas shot down. We're coming out of that phase, and beginning to see some of the productivity and creativity increases that Casey noted in his observations.