No one gets excited about an org chart, but smart leaders know the value of one. An organizational chart is a visual map of your team of leaders. That is an important picture. It allows you to see a map at a glance of one of your most precious assets – the leaders who run your organization!
This post is not about how to draw an organization chart, there are dozens of examples easily available online, and yours needs to fit the context and culture of your church and staff. The purpose of my thoughts is more to help you communicate the importance of this helpful tool to anyone on your team.
It is true that the larger the organization the more valuable the chart becomes, but churches of all sizes will benefit. Another important note is that if you are in a smaller church, your staff may consist of paid and volunteer leaders.
Before I share the value of an org chart, let me say what an org chart does not do for you.
What an org chart does not do:
- It does not indicate that you are organized in your approach to ministry. It’s a step in the right direction, but an org chart is not meant to be a static tool. It is meant to change with the movement of names, job descriptions, and growth of the church.
- It does not indicate level of influence or value. This is important! A person’s placement on the chart does not indicate the size of their leadership or talent. It indicates their function, not level of influence!
- It does not replace innovative leadership. Org charts are very helpful, but should never be allowed to contain or constrain leaders from taking new territory. The org chart should serve your organization, your organization should not serve the org chart.
The value of an org chart:
- It communicates the structure of the organization at a glance.
- It shows scope and level of responsibility. An org chart diminishes ambiguity about who is responsible for what.
- It enhances your hiring strategy. It allows you to quickly see the gaps and next hires.
- It shows the relationship of team members to one another. It doesn’t prevent certain staff from talking with each other, it shows the fastest route to getting things done.
- It enhances the clarity and flow of communication.
- It indicates decision-making responsibility. This is one of the most important functions. Without a clear and up-to-date org chart, decision making can be slowed down and confusing.
- It helps identify gaps in the hierarchical structure or departments that are understaffed.
- It quickly orients new employees to the structural landscape of the church.
- It allows you to help align your team with your mission and strategy.
