CREATING CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT- DEVELOPING CULTURAL STATEMENT:

?"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve." - Mary Kay Ash

Continuous improvement efforts can only succeed when they become part of an organization’s culture, “the way we do things around here”. Here’s how to inspire a culture of continuous improvement in your organization.

The Culture Statement is, in a few words, a representation of your organization's mission, values, traditions, and beliefs. It can be used as a guide for your people in the actions they take, priorities they set, and decisions they make.

It can be referred to at any time as a way to reinforce their place in the company and what the organization defines as its strategic goals and objectives, which may change over time.

And it can be done at many levels from the team to the whole organization. It builds upon the company mission statement which is more for customers than it is for employees. It does so by crystallizing a code for the people in the organization around ethics, behaviors, and ways of achieving the stated mission.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while you write your culture statement:

• First, don't predefine what your culture is. It's okay to be aspirational, but important to be realistic and authentic. This should come from an organic place. In that, recognize how you set the tone for the organization, through the words you use and don't use, and what you ultimately decide this statement means.
• Second, define or redefine your current mission, values, and beliefs, but this time focusing inward on the people in your organization.
• Third, get feedback. Let your teams try it on, see how it fits and if those words ring true for them.
• And forth, recognize this isn't a one-off event. The culture of your organization is constantly evolving and changing. So set a cadence once a year, every other year, whatever, to revisit and make sure those words continue to hold true. And remember, this isn't a slogan or tagline, at least not one you'd use in your marketing.

This is for the people inside your walls. And for people who want to join you. So this never has to be shared too widely. When it comes to culture statements, there's no such thing as good or bad. It's all subjective.

A culture statement like, we are in this to make money, will resonate with some people and completely turn off others. That's what you want. To attract people to your vision of the world.

I Like This Example From The Adidas Group Cultural Statement:

Together we are a team of rebellious optimists, constantly challenging the status quo. We see possibilities where others only see the impossible. We serve the needs of our consumers, athletes and communities. We train individually and as a team, to inspire, innovate and grow. We are fair. We are authentic. Our game is built on trust. We live inclusivity every single day. We play to win in our mission to be the best sports brand in the world. Together, we are Adidas.

• So if you're anything like me, you are drawn to this type of company and this brand, to work in a dynamic, collaborative place, blending elements of work and play.
• This makes me want to work there, to contribute, and be part of this culture. As you no doubt see, there isn't a one size fits all approach.
• This will sound great to some but terrible to others. The culture statement should be used to show, at your core, what the organization is all about.
• So feel free to be silly, sarcastic, or just plain serious. Above all, be authentic.