At the heart of every business are relationships. Relationships are made with customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, vested interest groups, and others on the outside. Inside the organization there are even more critical relationships, governance, managerial, supervisory, collegial, project/team and social, among others. Business is Relationships.

At the interface of every relationship there's the opportunity for productivity. Without some measure of success in these areas of potential productivity the organization will atrophy and die. Success is a function of the degree of productivity at each one of the relationship interfaces that exists between the organization's 'intent' and customer 'satisfaction'. Efficient and resilient productivity leads to market satisfaction, profitability and security.

These interfaces need to have some definition, and a clear and acceptable understanding of how they must fit together to attain overall purpose. Since the purpose of any organization is to achieve its stated Objectives, the definitions must be in 'outcome' or result terms. Such definitions are referred to as Mandates – licenses to take action within a specified Scope of activity - applying particular Resources and Restraints in order to achieve predetermined Deliverables - all within acceptable Time-lines.

A Mandate is a contract of performance, a two-sided negotiation that involves commitment, benefits and consequences to both sides. It is an 'enabling device', empowering action, stimulating initiative, reinforcing accountability / ownership, and facilitating collaboration. It takes time and focused effort to construct, and thereby carries a certain amount of weight and authority. It isn't to be taken lightly.

What it gives in return is clear direction, avoidance of unnecessary conflict, meaningful communication, confidence and security, and best of all, a definitive underwriting of needed / expected results. It's like having everyone running their own business within the safe confines of the overall organization. Few individuals work harder or smarter than do entrepreneurs.

It is particularly important when introducing a new person to the organization (when (s)he may not know the established rules), or when introducing a key person to a vital, new area of contribution (where the rules may have been changed) to provide clear direction, strategies for dealing with obstacles, engendering expectations of success, and achieving the fullest measure of commitment.

Mandates are not difficult, they're just very important. Visit the Andros Website to discover more. There's a fascinating Case Study too, that could assist a greater awareness of the impact and costs of failing to achieve success in this fundamental premise. Consider investing a little time and attention right now to help avoid future obstacles. Is this not sensible?