Linking people and organizations

Both individuals and organizations have a need to answer the basic questions of life:

• What are we here for ( Purpose)

• Where are we going? ( Vision)

• What are our principles? ( Values)

They will inevitably come up with different answers. The more closely the vision and values of organizations reflect the personal aspirations of their members, the more effective they will be. Alignment is generally easier to achieve in non-profits than in companies, as with Greenpeace:

"There is a unity between Greenpeace values and the values of the individuals joining it." ^[1]

Organizations benefit by understanding the power of this unity, which involves seeing work in the context of an individual's whole life. How does it fit with spiritual values, aspirations, and family? These questions penetrate far beyond the traditional ones of home/work balance.

Like organizations, individuals have stakeholders. Who are they? Look at Chart 14.1, which illustrates a typical set of relationships, then fill in your own picture in Chart 14.2.

Chart 14.2 shows you at the centre of a web of needs. Others in your web also have their own charts, and they are at the centre. You look different to all stakeholders. Your employer may see you as a committed high flier, your family as a neglectful parent and partner. 'Success' in this chart is not material wealth, but...