Understanding Natural Forces
There are many lessons that can be learned from observing the natural forces we see in nature and the world around us. Think of these forces as a flock of geese flying above in formation. When they fly in this manner, geese travel about 70% farther than when they fly alone. Geese support one another in their flight. When the leader tires, another takes his or her place. They constantly communicate with one another, honking from behind as a form of encouragement. If a goose is injured or ill, others stop and provide help and assistance. These natural forces can operate in a similar manner, creating a synergistic power supporting all aspects of an organization and driving business success.
Resisting any natural force with powers all its own – whether a hurricane, a wildfire, or organizational change – can be a recipe for disaster. But, learning to tap into its energy can lead to great success. You can build operational and personnel systems around these powerful forces, driving business in any organization. The combined success of these natural forces can create extraordinary results that are critical to organizational effectiveness. These natural forces can help you become a better communicator or change agent and can help you work in harmony with your organization’s natural forces to reduce tension and conflict and save energy. These are the forces that drive organizations, their shifting priorities, interrelationships, and overall success.
One of the major challenges of dealing with these Natural Forces is that, like the weather, they can often be very unpredictable. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as turning on your television and watching the evening news for predictions and forecasts of the next natural forces heading your organization’s way in the next few hours or for the rest of the week. You need to rely on your own ability and even intuition concerning the inevitability of these natural forces’ arrival in your organization. Learning more about these natural forces ahead of time can better prepare you for their inevitable arrival, which, in all likelihood, will be before you expect it or are ready.
Think about a surfer hanging 10 riding the big waves in Hawaii. The surfer uses the tremendous energy stored in the wave to be propelled forward at considerable force. The surfer actually harnesses this force by managing the wave’s energy to accomplish his or her goal of experiencing an exciting ride. But if the surfer doesn’t manage this force correctly, the wave will knock him or her over with this same considerable force. The difference between riding the energy of the wave and allowing the wave to overpower the surfer is really a matter of managing this form of natural force. These same types of natural forces exist in organizations in a similar manner. You have to manage these energies and keep them channeled toward achieving your goals, or they will manage you.
Universal Forces
Natural Forces are universal. They exist in every organization, big or small, profit or non-profit, private or public. Natural Forces play a part in every management decision, initiative, or action. This usually happens with or without management knowledge or approval. Their influence is felt on all levels of the organization. It can be a positive influence or a negative influence concerning the objectives that are trying to be managed depending on many different factors. The influence of natural forces is what makes management so confusing. In one circumstance, a management initiative or decision may yield very positive results. Yet, in another seemingly similar circumstance, the results of these same actions may turn out to be disastrous. The difference may be the influence of natural forces in each of these situations. Without at least some understanding of the influence of these natural forces, managers will continue to struggle to understand why these inconsistent results occur. This is what causes false associations to exist. They will try to take positive steps forward based more on trial and error than on proven strategies that have the best likelihood of success.
When considering an important decision or initiative, you should review each of these natural forces and at least consider their potential impact to hinder or drive business success. This review could influence or even alter your decision-making process by yielding much more consistent and predictable levels of success.
To learn more about these powerful forces that already exist in your organization for free and can drive business success and help you meet your goals, don’t miss 10 Natural Forces for Business Success, hosted by HRDQ-U and presented by Peter R. Garber, an experienced Human Resource executive and author of over 50 books on HR and business-related subjects.
