Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast
“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast.” The legendary business guru, Peter Drucker, gets credit for saying this, but he never actually said it. The source is unknown, but the truth of it is known by every effective leader. A positive culture is the most critical element of a successful business. How do you do this?
Lead by Example. You know those values you based your company on? Well, you must live them, breathe them, and honor them at every turn and in every circumstance. You will set the tone for your company’s culture.
Make Culture a Priority. Despite its intangible nature, the importance of a positive culture cannot be overstated. Live it, talk about it all the time, reward it, and structure meaningful consequences for behavior that undermines it.
Communicate Early, Often, and Clearly. A culture will develop, regardless of your involvement. But only with your involvement - and clear and frequent communication - will the culture be what you want. And foster open communication. You must provide light, air, and serious consideration to people’s concerns, or they will fester and grow in the dark and hit you in the head like a frying pan when you least expect or need it.
Reward Positive Behavior. Openly, frequently, and sincerely.
Culture Killers Must Go. No matter what. Even if they are bringing in half your sales. The damage they cause an organization far outweighs anything positive they are contributing. And keep in mind that changing behavior is a near-impossible task. A bad apple needs to go and those that remain need to understand that the culture will be protected at all costs.
Have Sincere Concern for Team Members. Happy people are far less likely to grumble, criticize, or foment dissension.
Treat Feedback Seriously. When people feel like their opinions are valued, again, they are far less likely to be a negative influence on culture.
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