Who owns your organization's culture?

Our culture is part of what shapes who we are as people. The culture we grow up in forms the foundation of not just the languages we speak and our everyday habits, but our values, beliefs, and the way we orient ourselves in the world.

It’s the same for organisations.

Culture is an essential part of an organisation’s identity. It governs an enterprises’ values and behaviours; how people treat each other, the decisions they make, the bedrock they stand on. So who’s in charge of creating this crucial agenda? HR normally takes on a de facto role in shaping culture. But this is important. It’s potentially the most important aspect of a business’ internal workings, so why shouldn’t the CEO have a say? The CFO? The union exec? We argue that for culture to really work it needs to be created with buy-in from every lead in the organisation. Unlike people who are born into their cultures, organisations have an incredible opportunity to co-create it together.

In?my latest blog piece , I introduce the Transformational Culture Hub- a radical, collaborative forum where leaders come together to craft a new vision for your organization's culture.

Introducing the Transformational Culture Hub

The overarching purpose of the Transformational Culture hub is to integrate the principles of transformationalism deep into their organisation: fair, just, inclusive, sustainable, and high-performing. To shape a new social contract for your organisation with your unions, leadership, and entire team. Read more.

Decoding culture videocast

"Both as consumers and human beings, our cultural beliefs drive us..." I'll be in conversation with the brilliant Martin Karaffa today as part of our People & Culture Association PACE series on LinkedIn.

Marty helps brands harness the power of culture to develop global strategy, and to localize effectively and I'm really looking forward to our discussion on decoding culture! You can catch the recording here . You can read a lot more about values work and how it fits in with total organizational transformation in my latest book, Transformational Culture .

Words of the week

We were so grateful to receive these words of feedback on our training from employees from Alight , a fantastic humanitarian organization working on behalf of the displaced peoples. Thank you!

"This was one of the best experiences I have had throughout my career. They provided a vital and comprehensive skills and knowledge that will make me stand out among others." -Boney Jejen Francis Barson, Alight

"The training was very good and relevant to the situations I deal with on daily basis as an HR Manager. They did a great job ensuring we were aware of the theory behind the learning and the importance of focusing on the survivor. Thank you." -?Stella Joan Amony, HR Manager at Alight

Product Showcase: Mediation Training

Today I would like to showcase our National Certificate in Workplace Mediation? This is a fantastic accredited standard for workplace mediators and one of our original offerings at TCM.

"The course is amazing, It's a very meaty and informative course, packed full of useful information, with the right balance of classroom, practical and conversation. You leave with a clear understanding of just how effective mediation is, why it is structured the way it is and the method behind it. Polly is an utterly brilliant Trainer. The way in which she delivers the course keeps you engaged and interested, which is essential given how much there is to learn. I couldn't recommended this course, Polly and TCM more highly. Thank you!"?

-Layla Walton, Gabriel Star,?March 2024

The TCM Reading Corner

I first heard Sarah Corbett on BBC Radio Four back in the midst of the pandemic and her powerful message of how to respond to injustice not with apathy or aggression but gentle activism struck me so much, I pre-ordered her book and have loved every bit of it.

How to be a Craftivist ?is a manifesto of respect?and her language spoke straight to my heart as a mediator. She beautifully demonstrates the power of positive psychology, non-violent communication, cooperation, and collaboration to change hearts and minds.

This kind of open dialogue is exactly the approach needed for the co-created Transformational Culture Hubs I advocate for within organizations.

David's Diary

Here's where I'll be and what I'm up to over the next few months... ?

27th May to 7th June:?I'm currently on a writing retreat (sort of, at home ??) to complete my latest book,?‘How to Disagree Well’?for?The Economist Edge Series . I'm still looking for case studies for this one (from parties or mediators) so if you'd like to contribute, please get in touch.

12-13 June:?TCM will be hosting a stand at the?Festival of Work , stand J41 - come visit us!

19th June:?I'll be speaking at CIPD Hereford and Worcester branch on 'Redefining Resolution '

That's it for now! If you have any questions or queries relating to any of the content above, please feel free to reach out.

Have a great weekend!