Current Events Observations

Chenista Rae Straubel

BUS 4013: Organizational Structure, Learning, and Performance
Prof. Gregory Gotches
June 3, 2005

I have experienced what I have learned in this class about structure,

strategy, processes, people, and rewards as well as the five pillars described by
Mische as information technology, innovation, knowledge, leadership, and
operational excellence and organizational agility in many places, but the most
obvious is within a small church I attend on Sunday mornings.

This church is a spin off from a larger church (many new companies form
by disgruntled employees, especially those in the technology sector). This
church is no exception to this principle, even though it is a faith based not-for-
profit organization. I am most impressed with the new leadership forming and his
skills (this is representative of a self-organizing, purely organic nature). I am very
much “wow’d” (if there is such a term)!

I have been so impressed that I asked him last week after service what
experience he has in networks and team environments that he should be
applying such “new logic” principles within the framework of the strategy and
structure of this new organization. Humbly (a character quality sought in new
logic leaders) he replied, “I’m a retired mail carrier. I don’t feel qualified to lead
this group, but I’m obedient (those in authority are so because they recognize
that they are under authority as well – it is necessary component of authority)
and I’m merely following what the Holy Spirit (united goals, mission, and vision of
the body of Christ) is leading me to do. I have no idea how to do this.”

When he took over leadership, he formed teams, met with each team
individually, appointed a team leader, charged them with responsibility and
accountability, empowered them to proceed, and blesses us all. It is now up to
us. He recognizes the individual talents present within the body and helps each
member help other members develop and build confidence in their skills and
talents! Purely new logic – but what he is doing actually has biblical reference.
As I’ve stated in other contributions, business perspectives actually have their
roots in military strategy whose roots come from biblical reference.

He is an excellent role model of leadership and it comes to him naturally!

As far as business entities, alliances and partnering seem to be

developing within industries especially technology. I see how difficult it is to
retrain traditional logic people and I see why it may be important for these people
to be replaced in favor of those who are facilitators rather than controllers.