Our homes often don’t run as efficiently as they could, largely because we don’t treat them very “professionally” — we’re often more haphazard about it. Obviously, not everything that works in “the workplace” will work well at home (or should even be attempted!), but taking a look at the corporate world might give us some ideas for improvement.
Efficiency & Productivity
For example, corporate performance management. The corporate world takes efficiency and productivity very seriously, because without these traits, companies lose money! So they implement a variety of systems designed to motivate their employees — rewards programs, recognition, etc.
Is it less important for our households to be efficient and productive? There may not be cash at stake, but there are other — often more important — things: relationships, ministries, etc. How do we motivate our “employees” (our children) to do their necessary work? There may not be anything wrong with expecting them to “just do it” because it’s their responsibility, but having this expectation all the time, without any recognition or reward, might not be the most effective way to turn our little ones into diligent workers.
Routines
How about paperwork management and the handling of routine tasks? Successful companies have clearly-defined systems in place for handling paperwork and other routine things. Do we have clearly-defined systems to keep our households running smoothly, or do we just rush around putting out proverbial fires?
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Hierarchy
What about hierarchy? Who is the boss? Is he treated like the boss? Certainly, in the corporate world, subordinates often have the opportunity to “speak their piece,” but who makes the final call? Does everyone under the boss second-guess the decision, or do they just follow through on it? (Remember, we’re talking about successful companies here!)
What are the differences between the responsibilities of the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and the COO (Chief Operating Officer)?
Can you think of other comparisons that might offer ideas for the home?
I was just thinking about this the other day that families should run like a team working together toward a common goal, which is how many successful businesses are fun. I think too many families cater to individual wants, and there is no common goals. Don’t get me wrong I want to value the individual players, but running a household is a team effort, and everyone participates.
That’s a great point! (Sometimes, I think we’d have a clearer picture of how to function if we just imagined our families as companies.) I wonder how many families have a goal or goals defined?
We used a rewards system/incentive program while we were in the training-the-kids-to-help phase, and tried to have periodic family meetings to address concerns, especially when our kids were approaching the teen years. Hopefully our kids look back and remember not just the framework but also the fun! Having a plan (well, MOST of the time!) gave us enough structure to not live in chaos (again, MOST of the time LOL) , so we had enough peace for the ministry/fellowship part of life together.