Management Builder

Bruce Winston wrote a little tale of an organization from its founding. In the beginning, the Master Management Builder lifted his structure. The ceiling he called mission and vision. The pillars holding the ceiling The Master Management Builder called planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. 

So far Winston’s little book sounds like a refresher in Management 101; yet, there is more. The Master Management Builder noticed how the ceiling sagged in the middle. There was nothing supporting mission and vision; he couldn’t do it alone. To shore up the sag in the ceiling, The Master Management Builder realized the need for a larger, stronger pillar in the center. This larger and stronger pillar became known as staffing.

Staffing is essential to an organization. The Master Management Builder realized that he could not support mission and vision on his own. Staffing gives an organization its strength. Staffing supports the mission and vision. 

However, having staffing alone was not enough for The Master Management Builder. He gathered his staff - assistants, managers, and workers - together and began describing the structure, the operation, material needed, and explained that each member of staff shared in the vision and mission. The staff was delighted that The Master Management Builder was open and transparent. This was a “value-added” to the organization. 

Notice, The Master Management Builder’s initial view of organization was one of openness and transparency; the structure had no walls obstructing collaboration. The staff was free to move about the structure unhindered, customers could see the inner workings of the organization. There were no secrets. 

That was the beginning and as you may guess, things changed and this short piece cannot tell the whole story. However, if you wish, the rest of the story is in The Master Management Builder & His Structure: A story of walls, arches and learning. It is in the learning that we grow our organization.