Blog Post

First, acknowledge that embracing culture is a commitment, not a project with a defined beginning and end.  Culture should be tended and monitored to ensure it is producing the desired support for your business and not creating inadvertent barriers.

Before starting on the journey towards an optimal culture, check for the capability to launch and sustain that culture shaping journey. It is your pivotal organizational capability for strength and sustainment, in support of your business strategy.

Once leadership has made that commitment, the best place to start is with a choice of vocabulary and their intended meaning. 

This may seem basic but is easily overlooked with the current speed of change within every organization. Ensure there is alignment and a common understanding at all levels of what you believe organizational culture actually is. 

One that I tend to use is: “Culture is individual and organizational work habits!”

Once alignment has been achieved help others understand the value and the impact culture has on your business outcomes.

Unless of course, building your culture shaping capability has been identified as a business outcome!