Wobbly
Like
Pudding
While being wobbly like a pudding is not a good thing in most circumstances, it is a remarkable strength for a growing organisation.
Read on to learn about Organisational Capacity Building (OCB), why it's important and how it can be applied to your pudding... erm... organisation to help it wobble back into shape after a challenge. Feel free to browse and ask questions - but I am always happy to have an actual conversation about OCB, how to find your inner wobble, and more. :)
Does it need to wobble?
The internet is full of memes that highlight the frustration of working without meaning or direction— whether it's mocking bosses, customers complaining about the poor service they've received, or people eyerolling at the hollow nature of their work.
These are scenarios many organisations face when their structures and processes don’t align with their mission. Organisations need a mechanism to address this gap. How can an organisation merely wobble in response to a challenge and bounce back?
What is the secret ingredient?
Organisational Capacity Building (OCB) is the process of designing and investing in organisational structures and protocols that help achieve the mission, but doing so sustainably. It ensures that teams are equipped with the tools, processes, and frameworks they need to operate efficiently while remaining aligned with core values and goals. That way, if someone bangs into the table, your organisation simply wobbles a bit... and then cheerfully carries on.
OCB is a way to ensure that your organisation’s design—from prioritisation strategies to communication protocols and role definitions—directly supports your mission and values. By intentionally designing and refining how your organisation operates, you not only inspire your team but also optimise the use of your limited resources. When building an organisation or setting up a team, it’s critical that you design your organisation from its inception in ways that centre the organisation’s objectives. This leads to a resilient inner practice resulting in a a wobbly organisation that can respond to any situation.
How do you make it wobble?
Yes, there's naturally a recipe you can follow, and it has four stages.
Learn more about the methodology here or get straight into some case studies.
Whilst most processes emerge organically, what worked in a previous phase might not be the best option for the broader team, or even the next few months. Therefore, we need to have an intentional process that reviews and refines how we work. Through a structured, four-stage methodology, OCB helps unpack existing challenges, experiment with solutions, create a strategy, and embed long-lasting improvements.
Does the type & size of pudding matter?
Absolutely (chia, caramel, Christmas, rice) and they can be small, medium or large! Working out what needs to be flexible vs standardised based on the service/product you're delivering is crucial. However, a successful approach must account for the stage the organisation is at as well.
Organisational needs evolve as the organisation grows. Explore more about the different stages and their needs.
Processes and tools that worked in one phase often need to be refined or replaced in the next. And this is how it should be as the objectives of each phase were different. Startup Phase: The focus is on validating your product or service. Here, processes might be ad-hoc, prioritising speed and adaptability. Scale-Up Phase: As the organisation gains traction, the challenge shifts to supporting a growing customer base and team. Growth Phase: Retaining, developing talent becomes a priority, with addressing cultural shifts as the headcount grows.
Who makes the best wobble?
Do you need a dedicated person to work on this? In an ideal world? Ideally, no.
If you’re smart enough to be working on something amazing, you will eventually figure it all out. But if you’re already juggling too many priorities to set up effective organisational processes, I can help. I solve problems resourcefully and in ways that align with your values, ensuring sustainable, long-lasting solutions.
More info about Tara, her work, and her people x process x tools approach.
Too often this work is attended to in a haphazard way, and often by people who are not that interested in these issues. (Refer to those work related internet memes again!) Why do I it? Doing this work is a way that allows me to live a value aligned life. I do this work with joy and enthusiasm as it plays to my strengths and interests. OCB is my way of ensuring that the eco-system of organisations driving positive social impact not just survive, but flourish.
