THE SILENT VOICE
Every company has its own unique corporate culture, which can be intentionally cultivated or formed haphazardly. However, cultures that arise by chance often lack trust and hinder employees' experiences, productivity, and focus. By fostering an intentional culture, leaders will minimize issues and gain a competitive advantage. Culture is a silent partner to leadership that should be treated as a living entity. It is not a passive element but a dynamic one, akin to a living organism that requires the right conditions, nourishment, and resources to thrive.
The Power of Corporate Culture:
Lynne Ruhl, a Culture Transformation Expert,?explains that corporate culture silently influences every aspect of an organization, whether intentionally nurtured or naturally developed. Extensive research shows that company culture is the most significant factor contributing to success. Unfortunately, leaders are often unaware of the true corporate culture within their organization. Recognizing and addressing cultural issues can be challenging, but there are methods available to uncover hidden issues. Culture is primarily shaped by interpersonal relationships, not just systems and processes. To effectively address culture, a comprehensive understanding of the organization's working environment from all perspectives is crucial. With this knowledge, a culture that empowers the company to excel can be intentionally shaped.
The Importance of Accurate Perception:
Accurately perceiving corporate culture is crucial. Leaders must accurately identify corporate culture, as they are responsible for creating and managing it. Neglecting the management of corporate culture leaves companies at the mercy of their culture, rather than actively shaping it.
Cultural Audits are an effective method for understanding and managing corporate culture. It's important to note that an effective Cultural Audit is not an Employee Engagement Survey. A Cultural Audit is a transparent process that provides a shared understanding, holds everyone accountable, and brings all issues to the forefront. Although initially uncomfortable, a transparent process fosters a shared sense of relief and community.
Through audits, we consistently identify key issues impacting the bottom line and employee experience. These issues are commonly connected to areas such as integrity, trust, and respect. Prompt attention to these recurring themes is essential.
领英推荐
Leveraging anonymous feedback through various instruments ensure employees can express their views without fear of retaliation. This anonymity allows leaders to gain a clear picture of the existing culture and make necessary adjustments to drive excellence.
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A productive corporate culture is a vital asset for any organization -- and it must be nurtured correctly. It is a living and breathing entity -- not a mechanical one. By intentionally understanding and shaping the culture, companies can establish a foundation of trust and respect, leading to increased employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
"It's ironic that leaders are responsible for creating and managing corporate culture, yet they cannot create and manage a culture until they identify it?accurately. Leaders that do not manage corporate culture will find that culture manages them." -- Lynne Ruhl