Less Bull, More Picasso: How To Simplify Your Company Culture

Picasso's series "The Bull" is a masterclass in distillation: Less is More. He began with a detailed, realistic sketch of a bull and progressively stripped parts away, simplifying and refining until he was left with just the essence in a few bold strokes.?

This process of removing anything superfluous to highlight the essence is a powerful lesson for business leaders looking to simplify their company culture.?

It is tempting to keep adding in initiatives and programs to build culture. But when it comes to company culture, less is often more. Trying to do too much can lead to a diluted and confusing culture that doesn't truly reflect the organisation. Instead, focus on a few key things - the bold strokes and do them well.?

Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Identify and Clarify Your Core Values

Start with the bedrock of your organisation: your core values. These are the guiding principles that should shape your company's identity and behaviour. Strip back the noise and focus on what truly matters. Here’s how:

• Engage with Your Team: Conduct surveys or hold open forums to understand what values resonate most with your employees. This ensures buy-in and relevance.
• Distil Your Values: Narrow down to 3-5 core values that truly represent your organisation. Avoid generic buzzwords; pick specific, meaningful terms.?
• Communicate Clearly and Consistently: Integrate these values into all aspects of your operations, from onboarding to performance reviews. Regularly reinforce them through internal communications and leadership behaviour.

2. Simplify Policies and Processes

Excessive policies and red tape can stifle creativity and slow decision-making. Adopt a minimalist approach:

• Audit Existing Policies: Review your current policies and procedures. Identify those that are outdated, redundant, or overly complex.
• Streamline Approval Processes: Simplify workflows to enable faster decision-making. Empower employees by reducing convoluted processes and unnecessary layers of approval.
• Focus on Flexibility: Create policies that provide a framework but allow flexibility. This can enhance employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.

3. Foster a Positive Work Environment

Employees thrive in environments where they feel valued and supported. Focus on these key areas:

• Provide the Right Tools: Ensure your team has a relevant tool stack to perform their tasks efficiently. Look into integrations and automations to limit duplication and lack of transparency. This reduces frustration and increases productivity.
• Promote Respect and Fairness: Cultivate a culture of respect where all voices are heard. Implement fair policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion.
• Support Growth and Development: Offer opportunities for professional development. Encourage continuous learning and provide clear career progression paths.

4. Minimise Meetings and Jargon

Meetings and jargon are often the culprits of wasted time and miscommunication. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Evaluate Meeting Necessity: Before scheduling a meeting, ask if it’s truly necessary - and does everyone who’s invited absolutely need to be there? Could the issue be resolved through an email or a quick call?
• Streamline Agendas: Keep meetings focused and concise. Set clear agendas and stick to them to respect everyone’s time.
• Cut the Jargon: Use clear, straightforward language in all communications. This ensures everyone understands the message and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

5. Create a Culture of Impact and Sustainability

Your company culture should not just be authentic but also impactful and sustainable. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Measure What Matters: Identify key metrics that align with your core values and track them consistently. This provides insight into what’s working and what needs adjustment.
• Celebrate Successes: Recognise and celebrate achievements that reflect your core values. This reinforces positive behaviour and motivates employees - while helping to embed your culture and values.
• Continuously Improve: Regularly solicit feedback from your team and be willing to make adjustments. A culture of continuous improvement ensures longevity and sustainability..

Conclusion

Just as Picasso’s "Bull" captures the essence of it's subject, your company culture should reflect the core of your organisation. By simplifying and focusing on what truly matters, you’ll create a culture that’s not only authentic but also more impactful and sustainable.

Recognise the patterns amidst the chaos and the core values beneath the complexities. Strip away the excess, and uncover the true essence of your company culture. Less bull, more results.

Your culture should capture the essence and aspirations of your organisation in a few powerful strokes.

Want to start a conversation about capturing and developing your authentic culture? Get in touch today to book a consultative discovery call. We promise a no sell, no bull approach to helping you decide your best next step.