Leading Administrators and Those They Serve

Who is behind the scenes administering the organization? Lead them well.

“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you.” Joseph Addison

In an Army battalion (400-700 soldiers) there exists a headquarters and headquarters company or HHC. HHC houses all the administrate support people for the organization. It is also the home of the commander and his or her staff. Outside of this organization are the teams who perform the main function of the battalion such as infantry platoons, or artillery batteries. Without HHC, its leader and its people

, Army battalions would not function. They could not be supplied, and their people could not be administered to name a few functions. Private companies need the same structure to function properly. And they need leadership to ensure success.

A small, private company cannot afford an HHC like an Army battalion, however, it needs administration just the same. Its leaders may perform admin functions as additional duties to administer the organization, or it may have fractional professionals such as accountants, marketeers, bookkeepers, or human resource professionals who offer part-time administration for important functions. There is much more to administering a company than just structure. I believe structure is the easy part. Leading these people and those who they serve is the challenge. Here are my thoughts.