"To Oz!": Leading a Resilient-High Achievement Organization


by Marilyn Lustgarten - Date: 2007-01-19 - Word Count: 403 Share This!

One of my favorite movies is "The Wizard of Oz" based on the book by Frank Baum. The story is about the lessons of life, but could also be a metaphor for a resilient, high achievement organization.

You remember how it goes...

Opening Scene: Big unexpected change. Swirling around us are uncertainty and turmoil. Security and familiarity are replaced by the unknown.

Scene 2: Whoa...this place is weird! Not sure how we arrived here, but one thing is for sure, we can't go back the way we came!

Scene 3: Our destination is clearly visible in the distance, and the way there begins with the first step forward on the path that leads to the future. Amazing people arrive just when they are needed on the journey. Linking arms, and looking straight ahead, we move as one "To Oz!"

Scene 4: Really scary stuff happens along the way, and threats loom large, but we persevere with unwavering focus. We've got purpose, brains, heart and courage!

Scene 5: We are disappointed when the goal seems so close but remains just out of reach. We collaborate, innovate and take advantage of every lucky break to push forward and make it happen!

Closing Scene: The finale? No way! The vision has now become our mission - our new reality. The things we learned are embodied in who we are now. We tap into our newfound strengths, cut the strings that would keep us in the status quo, and ...we're off again!

Just as in the story, there never is a "wizard" with all the answers. Resilient organizations don't just happen, they are made up of resilient, capable people, able to bounce back when faced with unexpected challenges to emerge better and stronger than ever. The extraordinary leader of such an organization has the ability to

·Recognize exceptional talent
·Paint a vivid picture of "Oz"
·Point people in the right direction
·Keep them focused
·Trust uniquely gifted people to figure out how to get there
·Get out of the way!

How about you? Can you actually see the "Emerald City"? Does everyone in the organization share the same vision and is it possible to get there from where you are now? How long will it take and will the market be patient until then? When you've "arrived", will you be able to look around with gratitude and say...

"It was truly a real place, with real people...and you, and you, and you were there!"

---Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz"


Related Tags: change, leader, vision, oz, resilient, high achievement organization, bounce back, unexpected challenges

Marilyn Lustgarten, president of The Star Makers Group, is an organizational strategist, executive coach and consultant to leaders in companies experiencing the growing pains of getting to the next level. Contact her at http://www.starmakersgroup.com

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