Well, in addition to many of the staples that ordinary organisations have in place, such as a clear strategy, a sound business model, great people and efficient processes, we have noticed thriving organisations have five other attributes that enable them to Develop Constantly.

• A North Star in service of their Higher Purpose – They have a powerful connection to a vision of the future, which acts as the North Star for all decision making. This vision acts as a daily visceral connection to the future everyone is bringing into existence and it’s so powerful that everyone can ‘see’ their contribution inside of it. When the vision is so clearly articulated and communicated, we say the organisation is ‘moving forward from the future’.
  
  
• Looking outside as well as inside– Organisations that are developing constantly are always looking outside for new ideas, trends and what they can learn from others. It is only when they have done this can they look internally at how they are currently organised. The question they then ask themselves is: ‘Are we organised in the best way to deliver our Vision and fulfil on our Higher Purpose?’ If there are areas where this is not the case, then action is taken. Note: this is completely different from simply looking internally and improving your internal processes – no doubt that however efficient Swiss watchmakers in the 1980s were, it would have made little difference to their fortunes.
  
  
• Operating with No fear – It is well known that humans cannot be creative or innovative, or indeed productive, if we are in a state of fear. Biologically and mentally, when fear kicks in, our bodies shut down non-essential functions and focus on survival – when in a work environment, we simply ‘keep our heads down’. Organisations that Develop Constantly know this and create a safe environment where people feel secure, valued and cared for, resulting in people being willing to admit when they don’t know something, try new things and take risks. Failure is both encouraged and accepted and is used as a precious source of learning.
  
  
• Embracing the Power of Relationships– Organisations that Develop Constantly understand the power of relationships and trust. Relating to people for their full contribution and building the sort of relationships that you would experience in a healthy environment, one of caring for and looking after every person in the team. As Bob Chapman says in “Everybody Matters,” “The more we combine work and caring, the more fulfilled we will be and the further we will collectively advance.” Inside Why-Based Organisations, honest feedback and coaching is sought and given, inside the mutual desire for everyone to thrive.
  
  
• The Balance of Challenge and Support– These organisations have a healthy balance of challenge and support. Performance is expected and sought, people take on challenging goals knowing they have a supportive environment and working in this way is going to be exciting, stretching and fun!