HR Updates & News

Our last newsletter on Middle Management generated a lot of discussion. Someone commented that middle management is the spine of an organization. Another point of view was-- 'middle management is a mother' who protects the juniors from the strict eye of the father: higher management!

These are some powerful metaphors. But the power of 'organisational metaphors' goes even further.

The metaphors that govern the mind of a business owner, a CEO or a CHRO influence their management style, as well as the company culture.

And that's the theme of this edition of our newsletter!

Is Your Company A?Machine? Or A Sports Team?

Metaphors follow the structure: X is Y. Such comparison helps us understand complex topics in familiar terms. Here are some prominent organisational metaphors -

Organization as a Machine

This metaphor views the organization as a well-oiled machine. Each part of the business should work together to achieve efficiency and productivity.?

HR's role is to ensure the machine runs smoothly, with well-maintained parts (employees) and effective lubrication (communication and processes). Machines go through wear and tear, and require maintenance. No compromise can be done with weaker parts. It can break down the whole machine.

The Organization?is a Family

This metaphor sees the organization as a family, with employees as members who need to be supported, cared for, and developed. Like in a family unit,?the weak members must be supported and cared for.?

HR's role is to foster a sense of belonging, trust, and loyalty within the family, ensuring everyone works together towards common goals.

Organization as a Sports Team

This metaphor views the organization as a sports team, with employees as players working together to achieve a common goal.?HR's role is to coach, train, and motivate the team, ensuring they have the necessary skills, strategies, and teamwork to succeed.

There are many more such metaphors. Make it a point to study these well.

Expert Quote!

Metaphors are too powerful to be ignored.?They work their magic in silent ways. Earlier, as a sales leader I thought of business as a battle where we must win against the competition. Then, I launched my own fogging business, and discovered that business as battle philosophy was too stressful. And it didn't work for my business.?

Now I see business as an orchestra, where many talented people come together in harmony to create a great experience. Now we are market leaders, and I collaborate even with the competition to get the best results possible!

Let's find out your Organisational metaphors!

Discuss with your colleagues, what could be the metaphor for your company? Is your company like a well-oiled machine? Or do you envision it as a sport team? Or something else?

Document all ideas that pop up. If it is a sports team, who is the forward, who is the defender, who is the coach? What do you do to keep players in shape? How do you recruit new players?

If you think it is a machine, what kind of machine is it? How do you do maintenance of the machine? What are the signals that the machine is breaking up? Is it giving you good productivity? Are you using the machine to the full capacity?

Many such questions would help you understand the true nature of your business. And you would suddenly realize that knowingly, or unknowingly, you are influenced by it.

Dive Deeper....

Here are resources for you to get deeper, to discover the role of metaphors in your organisation.?

Books:

Images of Organization:?by Gareth Morgan, the pioneering authority on Organisational Metaphors. CLICK HERE!

The Metaphor and Organization:?by Cliff Oswick and David Grant? CLICK HERE!

Video:

Here is an insightful video that explains how metaphors influence the organisational?culture. And?how to use them well!?Here is the transcript , if you love to read!

CLICK HERE ?to watch the video

Do share your recommendations, insights and thoughts with us:

[email protected]

www.opportuneHR.com

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