The title of this article has implications of some science fiction story. I must disappoint you. I started writing this article with one question in mind. What elements allows an organization to continue for decades, when others disappear after a few years?
A simple Google search shows 45% of business fail after ten years. According to Forbes magazine over half of the charted nonprofits fail to exist in less time.
As time went on, the question kept hounding me. I was motivated to take an in-depth look at all types of organizations I knew failed. Then I took a look at organizations who continue for ten years or more. I striped away all the varying reasons for success and failure. I finally got to the lowest common denominator. I found three basic elements for Relentless Continuum.
- A Need
- Skilled Providers.
- An organization that enhances both.
For a case study I chose to look at Toastmasters. It was founded on October 22, 1924, in Bloomington Illinois. It came about from a group of men meeting in a YMCA building. Almost a century later Toastmaster has grown to be a worldwide organization. The mission remains basically the same, with the goal of helping men and women become better communicators and leaders.
Toastmaster emerged out of the need for people who recognized their lack. Traditional schools and colleges were not providing the lessons and means for ongoing development of leadership and communication skills. Thus, the NEED.
The club structure was built around members helping members. Those who were speaking or had a roll in a meeting got feedback in the same meeting. Getting and giving constructive feedback raised everyone’s skill level. This process was a great benefit for new and older members. Thus, the SKILLED PROVIDERS.
At the start of every meeting the mission statement is read. In the mission statement it Toastmasters emphases the need and skills are developed in a mutually supportive atmosphere.
Club officers only served for one year. Previous year club officer’s mentor current year officers. This practice holds true for new members being mentored by members who have been in the club longer. Speech contest between club’s challenge members to grow outside the bubble of their club. Thus, the ORGANIZATION.
I believe these same three principles can be applied to any organization for Relentless Continuum.
Hits: 461