Reading the Curve

All organizations have a life cycle, seasons of infancy, growth, maturity, and decline. It's just part of life. The more leaders are aware of organizations' natural life cycle, the better they will be to recognize early indicators of decline and implement innovative breakthroughs that can catapult the organization back into seasons of growth. At exo18, we call this the art of reading the curve.

The decline of an organization occurs from internal and external factors such as:

·       Natural evolution   

·       Scaling issues

·       Ineffective communication

·       Mission/value misalignment

·       Red tape (bottleneck / bureaucratic system)

·       Preoccupation with personal agendas

·       A global pandemic

·       Geopolitical confrontation

·       Inflation 

·       Natural Disasters

According to the World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2023, "the world faces a set of risks that feel both wholly new and eerily familiar. We have seen a return of 'older' risks: inflation, cost-of-living crisis, trade wars, capital outflows from emerging markets, widespread social unrest, geopolitical confrontation, and the specter of nuclear warfare, which few of this generation's business leaders and public policymakers have experienced." But external factors can allow your organization to grow in new ways. For example, you might have found new innovative ways to do ministry during the pandemic that has reignited momentum in your church. Utilizing these opportunities can allow you to stay proactive with innovation and avoid decline.

What are some indicators of organizational decline?

·       Deterioration in communication

·       Deviation from core values/mission creep

·       Lack of transparency

·       Insular thinking

·       Failure to change

·       Failure to attract new resources

·       Declining influence

·       Inability or unwillingness to resolve conflict

·       Deterioration in culture

·       Decrees in respect

·       Increase in criticism and blame

·       Increase in silos

·       Focus turns inward

·       Rifts widen

·       Inequities grow

·       Momentum decreases

·       Attendance/participation decreases.

·       Finances decline

What can you do when you notice your organization is moving into maturity or decline? DON'T FREEZE! Craig Groeschel, the pastor of the largest church in America, says, "The cost of inaction is almost always worse than the cost of a mistake." Don't stick your head in the sand. Stop ignoring or excusing the indicators, face facts openly and honestly, and act. The earlier you recognize red flags and work, the quicker you experience breakthroughs. The older an organization grows, the harder it is to transition back to spring or summer. Take honest stock of which season your organization is in and ask the tough questions. Are you actively ensuring your organization will have a lasting impact?

Understanding what season of the life cycle you are in can make a massive difference in the strategic planning and operations of your organization. Each season brings new challenges that leaders must address to grow and improve. Remember, staying relative and growing is essential no matter the season your organization is in.

Watch or listen to our coordinating Podcast to learn more about how to read the curve. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help; we would love to connect with you.