Let’s first define culture (as per the dictionary) – the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.
In relation to companies, you could then say that culture is the behaviour and norms within the company. Or more simply, the way we behave in a company is the culture of the company. What behaviours do you see when you walk around your company.
What is the culture (behaviour) that defines your company today? This is not necessarily the one described by the mission or value statements. What is the culture that people LIVE every day? Is this culture causing problems, frustrations or “stuckness” for your business? Are you in denial about your culture being great? If nothing changes in your culture, what are the implications for your business?
If you can ask these questions honestly and allow people to be candid, you will very quickly identify where the gaps are. This is an invaluable exercise which interrogates reality, provokes learning and allows you to tackle the biggest challenges in your business. In addition, people will respect the business for caring about their input and asking for their opinion. Now you have the data, you can take the responsibility (collectively) for creating the culture which will best support your business.
The key here is everyone’s ability and desire to ask – what does the business/organization need from us (the people), as opposed to “what do I need from the business” or “what do I need from my employees”. When the focus is on the organization, we can then truly act as a team moving towards a common goal. The decisions we make (collectively) are then what’s best for the business….
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