Rethinking Your Business: Organizational Restructuring in the Post-COVID Era

In the last 12 months, one of the most common projects we've undertaken, significantly influenced by COVID-19, is organizational restructuring. Business owners are scrutinizing their operations, asking themselves, "Where do we need to go, and how are we going to get there?" A critical aspect of this evaluation is focusing on their people and organizational structure. 

The Importance of Organizational Restructuring 

Setting Your Strategy 

When thinking about restructuring, you might not immediately think, "I need an organizational restructure." Instead, you're likely considering your strategy and goals. The first step in this process is to look at the structure of your organization from a people perspective. 

Why is this important? 

• Alignment with Goals: Your organizational structure should align with your strategic goals. If it doesn't, achieving those goals becomes significantly harder. 

• Efficient Resource Utilization: Proper restructuring ensures that your resources (people, clients, intellectual property, products) are utilized efficiently. 

• Adaptability: A well-structured organization can adapt more quickly to changes in the market or industry. 

The Bench Exercise: A Fresh Perspective 

To start, let's consider a hypothetical scenario. Imagine taking all the assets of your business and putting them on a bench. This includes your staff, clients, intellectual property, products, and anything else of value. Now, think about starting your business today with these assets. How would you structure it? 

Steps to the Bench Exercise 

1. Identify Assets: List all the assets of your business. This includes tangible and intangible items. 

2. Evaluate Current Placement: Look at where each asset is currently positioned in your organization. 

3. Determine Necessity: Decide which assets are essential and which might need to stay on the bench. 

4. Redesign Structure: Imagine you are starting your business today. Where would you place each asset to best achieve your goals? 

Key Questions to Consider 

1. What Would Come In? 

Consider which assets are crucial to your business's success. This includes key staff members, vital products, and core clients. These are the assets that must be reintegrated into your new structure. 

• Example: You might realize that a particular team member has skills that are underutilized in their current role. Reassigning them to a position where they can make a more significant impact could be beneficial. 

2. What Stays on the Bench? 

Not every asset needs to be part of your new structure. Some might be outdated or no longer align with your strategic goals. It's essential to identify these and leave them out. 

• Example: Perhaps certain products no longer serve your target market. Removing them can free up resources for more relevant offerings. 

3. What’s Missing? 

Identify gaps in your current structure. Are there skills, resources, or capabilities that you need but don't currently have? This step is crucial for understanding what new assets you might need to acquire. 

• Example: You might find that your team lacks expertise in a critical area like digital marketing. Hiring or training someone in this area could be necessary. 

Benefits of the Bench Exercise 

1. Clarity and Focus 

This exercise provides clarity on what you have and what you need. It helps you focus on the essentials and avoid distractions from non-essential elements. 

2. Strategic Alignment 

By rethinking your structure, you can ensure that every part of your organization is aligned with your strategic goals. This alignment is critical for achieving long-term success. 

3. Innovation and Adaptability 

Starting with a fresh perspective allows for innovation. You might discover new ways to use existing assets or identify opportunities for growth and improvement. 

Practical Steps for Organizational Restructuring 

Once you've completed the bench exercise, it's time to put your plan into action. Here are some practical steps to help you restructure your organization effectively. 

1. Communicate with Your Team 

Before making any changes, communicate your plans with your team. Transparency is crucial for gaining their support and ensuring a smooth transition. 

Tips: 

• Hold Meetings: Schedule meetings to explain the restructuring process and how it will benefit the organization. 

• Encourage Feedback: Allow team members to ask questions and provide feedback. This can help you identify potential issues and address them proactively. 

2. Reassign Roles and Responsibilities 

Based on your bench exercise, reassign roles and responsibilities to align with your new structure. Ensure that each team member understands their new role and how it contributes to the overall goals. 

Tips: 

• Create Clear Job Descriptions: Update job descriptions to reflect new roles and responsibilities. 

• Provide Training: Offer training and support to help team members transition smoothly into their new roles. 

3. Monitor and Adjust 

Restructuring is not a one-time event. It's essential to monitor the changes and make adjustments as needed. Regularly review your structure and ensure that it continues to align with your goals. 

Tips: 

• Set Milestones: Establish milestones to track progress and measure success. 

• Gather Feedback: Continuously gather feedback from your team and make necessary adjustments. 

Organizational restructuring is a powerful tool for aligning your business with its strategic goals. By taking a fresh look at your assets and redesigning your structure, you can ensure that your organization is well-positioned for future success. The bench exercise is a practical way to start this process, providing clarity and focus as you move forward. 

Have you gone through an organizational restructuring process? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!