“You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. You must have a solid foundation if you’re going to have a strong superstructure.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, Author
My street is in the middle of multiple new homes being built. It is amazing to watch as basements are dug then the foundations laid. A strong foundation is inarguably the most important component of a home as it:
- Supports and holds the house in place
- Reduces movement due to temperature fluctuations, water, seasonal changes and underlying soil and rocks
- Insulates the structure
- Keeps moisture out
- Prevents insect infiltration
Creating a strong foundation is essential for any new home being built and it is also critical for organizations. A strong operational foundation within an Organization:
- Provides a structure (pun intended) in which to function
- Allows organizations to focus on the business’s products and/or services instead of resolving daily disasters
- Creates opportunities to innovate instead of being bogged down with fighting fires
- Positions Leaders to define and execute the Organization’s strategy
How does an Organization build a strong foundation? Here are some hints:
- Establish clearly defined goals and objectives and create a plan that defines the tasks needed to support them
- Prioritize those tasks so they can be effectively implemented
- Communicate, communicate, communicate
- Build repeatable processes
- Maximize Resources
- Establish internal control and mitigate risks
- Focus on ongoing, improved results
- Implement (or update) a Business Continuity Plan
As I continue to watch the homes around me being built, I see Tradesmen that specialize in specific key tasks. Just as a Builder would not have a Plumber paint the walls or an Electrician lay foundation, Experts should be used in building a strong operational foundation. Aldridge Kerr are Experts that can identify and provide direction to execute what is needed to build or strengthen your Organization’s operational foundation.