A bicycle tires demonstrates connections, interdependence, and mobility.
At the center of the tire, we find a nucleus we refer to in our organization as our administration. This is the point of connection to the remainder of the vehicle unit (educational system). This is also where we find our "shared culture" (Schein, 111) as a point where all of the spokes come together. This is our heritage.
The spokes of the tire radiate out to various points we will refer to as our divisions or departments where our "subcultures" exist (Schein, 111). Though we often see ourselves as separate entities, we will notice that this is the point where each spoke is connected to the tire's rim. The rim thus serves a purpose of connecting the administration and individual departments/divisions to the tire which is where "the rubber meets the road."
When everyone is working together, we have a common purpose of transporting both our institution and our students in new directions.
If a spoke is broken/damaged, if the rim is bent, if the center becomes damaged, the system as a whole can become weakened which can lead to a disruption of meeting our purpose in a variety of ways. We are no longer efficiently providing the transportation to our new destination.
A system of checks and balances among the components of an organization is essential to confirm that each unit is working and performing to the best of its ability to meet the defined goals. This would lead us to our ritual of Performance Enhancement Plans (includes individual evaluations/goals), supervisor evaluations, and program evaluations. When an organization's culture is connected, both the subcultures and the shared culture, an organization can have a shared purpose and enjoy a successful journey.
At the center of the tire, we find a nucleus we refer to in our organization as our administration. This is the point of connection to the remainder of the vehicle unit (educational system). This is also where we find our "shared culture" (Schein, 111) as a point where all of the spokes come together. This is our heritage.
The spokes of the tire radiate out to various points we will refer to as our divisions or departments where our "subcultures" exist (Schein, 111). Though we often see ourselves as separate entities, we will notice that this is the point where each spoke is connected to the tire's rim. The rim thus serves a purpose of connecting the administration and individual departments/divisions to the tire which is where "the rubber meets the road."
When everyone is working together, we have a common purpose of transporting both our institution and our students in new directions.
If a spoke is broken/damaged, if the rim is bent, if the center becomes damaged, the system as a whole can become weakened which can lead to a disruption of meeting our purpose in a variety of ways. We are no longer efficiently providing the transportation to our new destination.
A system of checks and balances among the components of an organization is essential to confirm that each unit is working and performing to the best of its ability to meet the defined goals. This would lead us to our ritual of Performance Enhancement Plans (includes individual evaluations/goals), supervisor evaluations, and program evaluations. When an organization's culture is connected, both the subcultures and the shared culture, an organization can have a shared purpose and enjoy a successful journey.
Great visual. In reference to sub-culture spokes is so true. Spoke on a tire can be come loose and cause the tire structure to weaken. The tire will still work, but it will be out of alignment and have a rough ride.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice of visual. Another key component inside the tire itself is the inner tube which is inflated to hold air pressure. While it is protected from the tread of the tire, it is essential in mobility.
ReplyDeleteWhat part of the organization would this be?
We ride a lot of mountain bikes at my house. If something happens to the tire, we are out of luck unless we have a patch kit. What are the patch kits? Who is responsible for making sure one is packed? Is there a difference between skinny road tires and fat, knobby, mountain bike tires?
ReplyDelete