What Makes an Organization Remarkable?

What sets successful organizations apart from others – or to put it another way, what’s the difference between being great and good?

While I’m sure that answers to the above can vary widely, I often fall back on the classic ASAE best-selling book “7 Measures of Success” published in 2006 for my talking points.

ASAE’s research revealed seven measures that differentiate remarkable organizations from their counterparts. No one measure outweighs the others and ALL contribute equally to an organization’s ability to innovate, grow and thrive over time.

The measures are grouped into three categories:

Commitment to Purpose

• A Customer Service Culture – A “we’re here to serve” approach is built into the organization’s structure and processes
• Alignment of Products & Services with Mission (not money) – Consistency with the organization’s mission remains central and unchanging.

Commitment to Analysis & Feedback

• Data Driven Strategies – The organization not only excels at gathering & analyzing information, but also has processes in place to take action based on what is learned.
• Dialogue & engagement – There’s a continuous internal conversation taking place about the organization’s direction and priorities.
• CEO as a Broker of Ideas – Although the CEO may be a visionary, what’s more important is that the CEO facilitates and promotes visionary thinking throughout the organization.

Commitment to Action

• Organizational Adaptability – Remarkable organizations learn from and respond to change and while they are willing to change, they also know what NOT to change.
• Alliance Building – The best organizations aren’t afraid to partner, but doing so has to be for the right purpose and in sync with long-term goals…not just for short-term gain.

As you look around the chamber and association world, I would say that today’s best organizations definitely excel at the 7 Measures; AND, maybe most important…they “have the right people on the bus” – outstanding leaders on their board of directors and talented professional staff.