In the 1990s, you would often see elaborate tapestries in wall hangings as part of interior design and decorating. I thought they were beautiful and was enamored with the detail and intricacy of the art. Even when you looked closely, it was difficult to tell where one thread ended and one began, as they weaved above and below each other, coming together to complete the resulting design.
A leader once told me that a business is like a tapestry. That you hope the strength of the thread and the weave pattern will make it nearly impossible to unravel the design. However, if the thread that is used is thin and weak, or if the weave pattern is not consistent and correct, the unraveling process becomes much easier.
In past days, this analogy continues to come to my mind. I'm watching how organizations are responding to the environment around us. While some are capitalizing on the foundation and strength they already had, others are quickly "unraveling" in the conditions that both COVID-19 and social unrest has created. Same organizations, similar sizes, similar industries, very different results.
So why is this? I believe it comes down to three things: culture, leadership, and clarity. From what I've read, when beginning a tapestry, you want a firm yarn that has little stretch to it. Once you have your foundation, you can use thinner yarn that allows you more color options. Let's play this out from an organizational standpoint. When an organization is crystal clear on the tenets of its culture, the expectations of its leaders, and the most important elements of performance, they create the underlying basis for all that is to come. But, if the culture is optional, leaders aren't held accountable, and every thing is a priority, the beginning of your organization may look pretty, but its strength is low and the chance of unraveling is high.
When all or any of these aspects are weak, it can be easier to "pull the thread" to begin the unraveling process than you think. 2020 has shown us an environment, most, if not all of us did not expect. Our world changed within weeks, and so many of us were unprepared. We may have looked good from a design and aesthetics perspective, but the threads were not taut and strong. Little by little, those thin, colorful threads begin to fray, exposing the fragile threads below.
Is it possible to correct the unraveling? Yes. The first step is to stop it. Pause and evaluate which area or areas are creating the issue. Does your culture support the environment needed to perform? Are leaders held accountable for how they get results or is it the "what" gets done more important? Is everyone aligned around the priorities of performance? Talk with your team. Talk with their teams. Find those people that will tell you the truth. Listen.
Then begin the correction process. Some threads will have to be removed - old behaviors, detracting personalities, limiting activities. Some threads need to be fixed. Some have just loosened and can be reinforced. Rarely does it require a full restart. Often, its about taking the courage to understand what needs to happen then repairing the threads that are frayed.
Organizations will come out of this time either stronger or weaker. No one will be the same. Take this time to consider where you are and refocus on culture, leadership and clarity for strength.
