When problems arise within organizations, it is apparent to nearly everyone within the institution. Leaders all the way down to entry level staff can sense when things are not functioning as they are intended to. How do we diagnose problems within organizations. Since the 1970’s Weisbord’s model of organizational diagnosis has been the simple and straightforward answer. The source of problems within organizations is a lack of synchronicity between the formal and informal aspects of an organization. I have heard leaders talk about having policies regarding respectful dialogue with colleagues on the books. In practice, staff were frequently being belittled, chided, and humiliated by managers. As a consultant, this incongruity tells us where there is work to be done. If you find yourself wondering why things seem off, ask yourself where does the formal not align with the informal in my organization.
- Andrew Selander