If you are, ever, asked, ‘What do you do for a living?’ you would, first, state your chosen profession or job. You are, also, likely to assume that the questioner wants to know for whom and where you work. You would respond with the name and location of your employer.
But that is not the only organization to which you belong. In fact, you are a member of a number of organizations that co-exist. Let us characterise each of these organizations as a metaphorical ‘Bubble’. You are qualified to enter into and to fulfil a role in each of these ‘Organizational Bubbles’. However, your qualification and contribution in each of your ‘Bubbles’ are, usually, quite different for each ‘Bubble’.. You can be said to have your own personal ‘Foam of Organizational Bubbles; (‘Foam’: the collective term for ‘Bubbles’. I like it!).
So what are the components of your ‘Bubbles’ that qualify them to be defined as organizations? It is, commonly, accepted that an organization has four key components.
Aims – Defines what the organization seeks to achieve.
People – An organization necessitates the involvement of people, who are engaged in the achievement of its Aims.
Technologies – Are the methods, techniques, skills and knowledge, which the people employ in order to achieve the organization’s Aims.
Structure – An organization’s structure defines the roles and activities of the people involved and their relationships; whether formal or informal. It is through these relationships that the organization’s activities are directed and coordinated.
Now, let’s consider what ‘Organizational Bubbles’ might feature in your ‘Personal Foam’.
Everyone belongs to some form of ‘Primary Bubble’. In most cases, it is our family. That group of people, with whom we share a domestic relationship of affection and support (hopefully!).
Many people participate in a ‘Work Bubble’. The expression, of the four signature organizational components – Aims, People, Technologies, and Structure, is very well defined at work.
Others have a ‘Faith Bubble’ in their Foam. Whether attending a church, mosque or temple, most people participate, simply, as members of the general congregation. Others take on more significant roles, within the Structure. Whatever the roles of the celebrants, their belief system and energy are directed towards the achievement of the Faith’s stated Aims.
Many people enjoy the benefits and pleasures of one or more ‘Social Bubbles’. It can be as a member of a bowling club, dramatic society, basketball team, choir or, even, just spending quality time with a regular group of friends. We accept and subscribe to the standards and activities, that membership of those ‘Bubbles’ require.
What Organizational Bubbles does your Foam contain?
This ‘soapy viewpoint’ contributed to the DNA, of the following Training Package.