An Organization’ s Powerful Force!
By Dion McInnis, Empowered Creativity Institute
Dion @ Dionmcinnis. com
Financial advisors suggest to us that we need to look at money differently, more creatively. They tell us there is a creative way of looking at the power of money. Businesses, too, benefit from the same creative look. A powerful force of your organization is …
… compound interest. You have heard that many times, but you probably thought of it in financial terms. Consider it as a communications strategy, too.
Each time you disseminate content, engage in activities, host events, partake in conversation or manage meetings, you have a chance to develop interest by others in your organization’ s cause, mission and vision. Don’ t let those elements stand alone. Remove the moats from around the offices, programs and people so that the interest generated in others can be compounded.
Simply making multiple contacts( impressions, in advertising terms) does not compound interest. Change the way your organization considers planning, content development and relationships( internal and external) to possess the power of compound interest. Here are a few steps to consider:
Think system, not org chart
Don’ t look at responsibilities through the filter of an organizational chart. While that approach may help track accountability and responsibility, it also tends to prevent from developing and implementing strategies that work off each other to generate multiple areas of interest in others that compound for engagement and support. Look at the elements of your organization as a system, not of boxes linked by lines and separated by hierarchy.
Cross-pollinate
Every activity should benefit from collective talents and perspectives. Consider all the elements of the project at hand and have experts from those areas at the table for planning. Bring good thinkers to the process, even if they don’ t have a vested interest in the outcome. These steps help generate internal compound interest, helping improve morale, unify the team and strengthen the culture of your organization.
Plan and de-brief with an eye on compounding interest
Investors and financial planners know that compound interest works, and they manage it with strategy and oversight. As you plan events, communications, interactions and programs, focus with intentionality on compounding interest; in the de-briefing session after the program or project is completed, be sure to ask the question,“ Did we compound interest? If not, how can we do it better next time? If we did, what were the most effective ways? What indications do we have whether we did or did not compound interest?”
There are dozens of other ideas, but these should help get the wheels in motion. Compound interest: an undeniable force.
22 MOMENTUM / February 2017