The 7-S Framework

The 7-S Framework developed by McKinsey Company in collaboration with Robert Waterman & Tom Peters is a fantastic model of understanding and monitoring internal change inside of any organization. They suggest that for peak performance to be maintained in any organization that the 7-S model needs to be in balance. Change (i.e. restructuring, new systems, new processes, mergers, leadership turnover, and so on) often is the catalyst for imbalance in the 7-S model yet maintaining balance is key to maintaing momentum.

Hard Elements:

• Strategy
• Structure
• Systems

Soft Elements:

• Shared Values
• Skills
• Style
• Staff

The unfortunate assumption of this model is that we can “control situations and muster the resources to control outcomes through a framework.” While stewardship is critical biblical concept, control over our destiny or domain whether temporal or spiritual is not a biblical leadership principle. Stewardship, not control, is our call.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
1 Peter 4:10

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:28

The assumptions in these verses is paradoxical to the previously mentioned ideas. The assumption is “God has graciously given us everything (this means everything) so steward those resources and use them in a honoring way as a gracious blessing to you and others.” This is God’s stewardship model of leadership. Not one of control but one that positionally recognizing changing seasons and responds out of humility.