Are you a passenger of your company culture?

“I feel lucky to be part of a company with a culture like this!”

Now, I share this sentiment for working at Funlab, however, it is equally rewarding to hear this from others as it can be dangerous for what it implies of the culture.

___________________________________

In yesterday’s facilitation, while unpacking our values in a new way with all our WA leaders in one room, one of our #Motherfunners shared that they “feel lucky to be part of a company with a culture like this!”

Language is incredibly powerful and there was a word there which silently erodes culture. Immediately, my ears pricked up and I jumped in to provide realignment.

I feel grateful, not ‘lucky'!

I am grateful for our culture, but NOT for the CHANCE of it - ie. right-place, right-time.

Personally, and more specifically, I am grateful to work alongside other #Motherfunners at Funlab, where our values are shared, lived and worked on.

It is all too easy to think you are lucky (or unlucky) in your experiences...

In this case, it's easy to feel (gladly!) a passenger or participant of the culture rather than acutely responsible for it!

Actually, we are not lucky to have this culture. Each one of you [as leaders] are the custodians of our culture and have a huge responsibility - leaning in to help steer it.

Behaviour IS the culture - not the poster on a wall. As leaders, we model and respond to behaviours (through correction, promotion or by not responding!). This is what cultivates ‘the way we do things around here’.

It’s a continuous intentional effort.

• What are the behaviours (action) you value?
• Why are they the right ones for your organisation?
• How will this makes each individual successful?
• How does this allow the greater team to thrive?
• And, what will this mean for leading a fulfilling and rewarding journey?

___________________________________

I Challenge You.

Audit and reflect on your company culture in a way that is bigger and broader than you yourself ie. what are the lived behaviours of the organisation. And think too about what you would like cultivated.

Your position is largely irrelevant. After considering the above, ask yourself:

1. How are you a passenger in your culture? 
2. How do you take responsibility for positively influencing the culture? 

Don’t wait for permission to work on the company culture. If you feel that need, that’s where you should start - your mindset in how you can take responsibility.

Share your thoughts in the comments. How does this relate your place of work, personal life and personal life? What parts do you disagree with?