Building Better Systems for Sustainable Culture

Hi everyone,

There’s been a recurring theme that shows up in conversations with the leaders and founders CoCreate Work supports…

And that’s the importance of systems.

Systems allow us to implement and optimize shared culture, innovation, initiatives, and work, and without inclusive systems, enacting the cultural change, resilience, and impact you hope to see within your organization is impossible - but more on that later.?

For now, though, let’s take a look at what’s been happening this month:

• ?? What’s behind great company culture?
• ? 75% of employees across the world experience burnout at some point
• ?? Latest in leadership and culture this month
• ?? This month’s leadership affirmation
• ?? The latest from CoCreate Work and our community

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

?? To create a? transformative company culture you must use strategy

Sometimes I’m surprised when I hear leaders and others downplay the impact of culture.?

Think of culture as the overarching umbrella where all of our actions, behaviors, decisions, and (misbehaviors) fall underneath. Every single organization has a culture - whether they identify it that way or not.?

Great leaders know that culture is the strategy. But while building a sustainable, inclusive, and empowering workplace culture is something that most organizations and leaders aspire to… I often find that many are unclear on where to start or what goes into creating an effective culture.

At CoCreate Work, workplace culture starts with shared purpose and working agreements and then branches into everything from your policies to your practices, and principles.?

Culture is all of it.?

Some tangible aspects of workplace culture can be:

• How do you and your team communicate with each other?
• What platforms do you use for communication and project management?
• How do you assess performance and give feedback?
• How are decisions being made and who is part of those conversations?
• How are meetings structured? (yes, this seems like a simple one but is also an indication of workplace culture)

Do you have a pulse on your current company culture based on the questions I shared above?

If you’re noticing a lack of connection, tension between teams, and inefficiency - this might be the time to invest in a reset of your culture. Also consider what part of your policies, practices, and principles may need a review, too.

???? Wondering how you can refine your workplace culture for more creativity and innovation? Let’s get on a Consult Call to discuss how we can co-create this together.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE CULTURE

?? Navigating burnout for long-term sustainability

According to a 2022 study by the McKinsey Health Institute, roughly 75% of employees across the world shared that they have experienced burnout at some point in their careers.?

The same study revealed that a higher percentage of women leaders (43%) reported feeling burned out – a significant disparity when compared to men at their level, out of which 31% reported the same.

Those are some pretty telling numbers.

Beyond the statistics, there’s a much deeper issue at hand when it comes to unpacking workplace well-being – and it’s all to do with how workplaces contribute to burnout and the effect of burnout on productivity and morale.

Whether due to chronic stress, an unmanageable workload, or inadequate support, companies must take ownership of creating sustainability in their work environments.

Burnout affects an individual's health and happiness, and burnout has systemic implications as well, such as:?

• Productivity
• Innovation
• Creativity
• Motivation
• Team synergy
• High turnover rates

Just to name a few.?

This, whether alone or combined, can eventually undermine an organization's potential.

Therefore, addressing burnout isn’t only about improving one individual’s well-being – although, this does play a role in the process. Instead, it's about ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of teams and organizations as a whole by implementing systemic changes.

So, what’s the remedy for burnout? Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-and-done approach that can be implemented.

The first step is to think systemically, and then build a strategy from there.?

We want to help!?

Listen to our special podcast series on fighting burnout.

?? Curious to see how to combat burnout and revolutionize the way your teams collaborate, innovate, and evolve? Subscribe to CoCreate Work’s limited series podcast and listen to our episode on “Fighting Workplace Burnout and Shaping the Future of Work” today!

?? LATEST IN LEADERSHIP & CULTURE THIS MONTH

• Forbes: “Why The Best Leaders Fortify Their Leadership—And How You Can, Too”
• Smart Brief: “4 Ways to Increase Leadership Credibility”
• Inc.: “Google Research Says What Separates the Best Managers From the Rest Boils Down to 8 Traits”

?? This Month’s Leadership Affirmation

“I am a catalyst for positive change.”

This affirmation has become a cornerstone for me, highlighting the profound impact I can have as a leader in fostering positive transformations within my team, organization, and beyond.

In essence, acknowledging myself as a catalyst for positive change empowers me to lead with intention and purpose. Plus, it also reinforces the belief that through my actions, decisions, and the example I set, I can inspire progress, innovation, and a culture of positivity.?

Ultimately, it is a reminder that this commitment towards the #FutureOfWork is me actively participating in its creation.

?? The latest from CoCreate Work you might have missed

Missed anything in February? Here’s what we’ve been up to at CoCreate Work:

• COCREATE WORK X AKIMBO CULTURE CRASH COURSE: Pave the way for the future of work with an emphasis on cultivating a thriving culture! The Culture Crash Course is an experience to demystify and understand the essentials of culture, how it works, and how you can start to improve experiences at work right now. Click here to learn more about the program and join us on March 18th!?
• THE COCREATE WORK LEADERSHIP WELL-BEING CHALLENGE: Elevate your leadership and personal well-being in just five days! Harness the power of our BREATH framework and get ready to boost your leadership well-being with the help of simple, effective tools. Click here to join the challenge.
• COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH JADAH SELLNER, MARCH 21ST: Are you in Seattle? Join us for our co-hosted event, Coffee & Conversation, for a fireside chat with Author and Coach, Jadah Sellner, who will be sharing the anti-hustle way to grow your business. Tickets are $55 and you can purchase yours here.?

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