By wisdom, a house is built, And by understanding it is established;
And by knowledge, the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.
- Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 24: 3 - 4
It’s been a long time since I visited an amusement park. When I was younger, going on different rides was a thrill that I couldn’t wait to experience over and over again. Now that I’m older, that exhilaration is gone, replaced by trepidation and nausea. As I watched my daughter run excitedly from ride to ride with utter delight, I couldn’t help but consider the similarities between these attractions and different business management styles.
What happens when a small business owner runs their operation like an amusement park?
Operational activities occur just steps away from one another but are overly self-contained. How does this impact productivity? It’s similar to finally getting to the front of a long line and finding out you didn’t have enough credits to get on the ride. If objectives remain unclear and segmented, people ‘lose their place’ in the process and likely spend way more time getting things done or, worst-case scenario, having to start all over again. Unlike the amusement park, these actions are not pleasurable and can quickly and bitterly demoralize everyone involved.
Are you a fan of roller coasters?
According to the Comox Valley Schools website, one author analogizes, “Life is very much like a roller coaster ride. In the beginning, you get strapped in and pulled along by an unseen force. There are many twists and turns, ups and downs, periods when things seem to drag or are relatively calm, and times when things seem completely out of control.” Incidentally, some business owners manage their daily operations the same way.
While the heady experience from these rides engages most people, this approach has the opposite effect in a physical or virtual work environment. A roller coaster business consistently avoids establishing proper procedures, makes decisions and policies on the fly, delegates tasks based on who shows up, etc. Since there is no such thing as a typical day at the office, team members usually close their eyes and hold on for dear life.
What about carousels?
This ride is more my literal speed. I was comfortable standing in the space between the securely-fastened horses and putting my hand on the nearest pole. A bell rang to let the ‘competitors’ know the ride was about to start, so I adjusted my stance. While stationed between those two galloping horses, my mind contemplated the illusion of movement that can give the impression of progress.
I’ve worked with businesses that appeared to be very busy. There was no shortage of things to do. However, the routine soon became apparent, and I realized it was the same systematic movement. The ride slowed down. Everyone went home. Nothing changed.
While businesses need to maintain a healthy level of predictability, an organization can benefit significantly from taking risks. As the saying goes, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” When the work zone becomes a comfort zone, the best way to break the carousel mold is by constantly revisiting business goals and tracking progress.
How would you rate Ferris wheels?
I have mixed feelings about being in a small cage attached to a slow-moving, spinning wheel. Nevertheless, the enclosure on this ride gave me peace of mind as the wheel turned leisurely upward. With each passing second, the chamber rose higher and higher until I saw the entire amusement park and its surroundings. The view was spectacular from the highest point, reminding me of businesses that steadily work towards their goals. These tend to focus on quality, taking the necessary steps to analyze results and celebrate milestones.
Even though the engineers had pre-set the trajectory of the cage, the vantage point from the top of the wheel was still breathtaking and seemed to give everything context. Using this information, you can pinpoint the location of landmarks and other important sites. Likewise, with careful planning and consistency, the business grows by utilizing the knowledge and expertise learned with every rotation.
To ride or not to ride? That’s the question.
Everyone may feel differently about amusement parks and their fascinating attractions, but the same lessons apply. There are different ways to determine which approach works best for your business. The most important thing to remember is that learning is a lifelong process, and we can only receive as much as we’re willing to make room for.
Do any of these sound familiar to you?
Shalom, everyone!
