Are Handbooks Worth It?

I sat in a meeting today designed to review handbooks. My initial thoughts centered on the tedious task before us and contemplating the true value of handbooks. How many people really read them? Aren't they basically ignored and only pulled off the shelf if there is a dispute or disagreement? So many words on reams of paper... are they really worth the time?

Then I realized that the culture of the organization is recorded in these handbooks. In turn, these handbooks help to define and bring about the organization's purpose for existence. These documents delineate the spirit of the mission of the institution. Without such written volumes, the flavor of the organization might lose its distinction; the mindset of the current leadership might not be passed on to the next wave of administration; the heart of the organization's mission might be lost. The information in these handbooks represent the foundation stones of the organization. These documents can lead to harmony, unity, and collaboration. They can result in clarity of vision, distinction in methodology, and agreement in administration.

The culture of an institution involves program, personnel and paper. Each part plays a vital role in creating an environment and climate that defines the core of the organization. The interaction between paper and people is the dynamic that allows words to have life. People take the verbal directions expressed in handbooks and give them legs and hands and voices. Paper allows the leadership to sing out of the same hymnbook... and in meaningful harmony. Paper allows colleagues to join hands, affirming the direction and goal of the ministry.

Paper promotes, protects, and provides for the programs of the institution. Paper also warns us of error and straying from our goal. Paper provides the structure that is essential for building a strong tower. Without paper, a program can become an entity all by itself and grow into a monster that can destroy the effectiveness of the organization. But with paper, every program can thrive as each remains within the balance of the mission of the overall institution. Paper can provide the boundaries of safety... the walls of the fortress that cannot not easily be torn down... the shield of protection against spontaneous tangents or "hot buttons" that lead to rabbit trails.

The paper documents found within an institution that define its purpose, describe its methodologies and procedures, and codify its policies are valuable tools in the leader's tool-belt. Whether it is making or defending a decision, the paper can be a great source of confidence. If a coworker needs rebuke or encouragement, paper is a positive focal point for dialog. If difficult times begin to crush us with anxiety and stress, paper can provide the calm of stability and direction.

Reviewing handbooks is still not my favorite thing to do, but understanding the critical role they play in the life and vitality of an organization makes the task pound with the heartbeat of importance.