Achieving business success and building enduring institutions are related yet entirely distinct goals. While CEOs typically focus on business success driven by metrics like profit ability, growth, market share, brand salience, operational excellence, and talent management promoters and visionary leaders often aspire to build institutions that outlast them but may lack a clear roadmap.
Institution building requires a broader, deeper approach focused on SCALP, an acronym that outlines the five critical elements:
S – Systems: Robust management systems such as strategic planning, deployment and review, policy deployment, change management, and continuous improvement are foundational for consistent performance and scalability.
C – Culture: Culture often evolves passively, but it can and should be shaped deliberately. Tools like the Barrett Values Centre’s cultural entropy framework help organizations map and transform culture systemically, serving as a leading indicator of organizational maturity.
A – Alignment: This involves cascading a shared vision, mission, and values into actionable goals and everyday practices. Vision and mission should translate into Aligned, Balanced, and SMART goals, and values should be embedded in policies, norms, and leadership behavior.
L – Leadership: True leadership goes beyond skills into the Quality of Being. While leadership training is valuable, genuine people development requires nurturing empathy and inner awareness. Competency flows effortlessly from a leader who connects with their deeper self.
P – Purpose: A meaningful purpose anchors the organization. Beyond aiming to be the biggest or most admired, an evolved institution aspires to be the best for the world, not just the best in the world. This higher purpose reflects the soul of the organization.
Organizations that focus on SCALP build not just successful businesses but institutions that are both endearing to people and enduring over time.
