A Transcendental Culture

A while back I wrote an article about three stages of a company’s cultural evolution and some characteristics of each. It’s a basic framework that simplifies something extremely complex. But there’s more, there always is. Cultures are constantly changing, ideally they’re evolving. The question is, ‘Evolving into what, what is your culture becoming?’ 

Beyond transaction, beyond transition and beyond transformation, there’s another level. I contemplated including this in the original model, but left it out. I wasn’t sure it was going to land, I wasn’t sure it was relevant. 

It is relevant and more importantly, we need it. There are enough of us who are looking to leaders, to companies to shine a light and lead the way by the example they set. We can’t do this alone, we’re not meant to and so this is a call to leaders and companies who are willing to open their minds, engage their hearts and outstretch their hands. 

Beyond transaction, beyond transition and transformation – what we need right now are transcendental cultures. Cultures that transcend ego, judgement, division and polarising dichotomies. Dare I say, a culture of love – Universal love?

It’s a big call, but we’re facing big challenges and we know the problems we face will not be solved by the same thinking that created them. Is it bold to suggest that we are spiritual beings having a human experience? I don’t think so. But it is bold to build a company culture around this. And that’s exactly what we need now – founders, leaders and companies who are bold enough to bring the spiritual and the universal into the organisational. 

In conversation with Russel Brand on his podcast Under the Skin, Brené Brown had her very own ‘a-ha moment’ as she pondered the question, “Can any system thrive and work when it’s devoid of spirituality, when systems only exist to serve people who are inherently spiritual beings?” 

This is a question every organisation, every group, every system and every company should be asking. There’s an important presupposition in this question – that systems are designed to serve people (all people, not just a privileged few). Assuming this were true in your organisation, it raises the questions – are you actually being of service? Who are you serving, how are you serving them and for what purpose?

Once we’ve heard something that feels true and challenges conditioned beliefs, or come to a realisation that resonates deeply, it’s difficult to ignore it. Let’s presume for a moment that organisations exist to do good, to serve the greater good. What does this mean for you, for your work, for your workplace, for the culture you’re co-creating? Are you willing to help create a transcendental culture that serves to not just benefit a select few, but one that serves humanity and the planet on which we all depend?

God knows we need it.