At its worst, a culture drags on productivity and emotional
commitment, undermining success. Typically, a culture
can do a bit of both, meaning that in some ways it
enables success and in other ways it impedes it. Yet, on
the whole, it is important to ask yourself if the culture is in
sync with the strategy, and whether it leads to consistent
and attractive growth and profitability. By making the link
between culture and the business strategy, executives are
able to answer the questions: “What is this all for? Why is
the cultural conversation so important?” Ultimately, if your
culture is on track, the business results will be there.
2
Is the CEO effective at reinforcing
the desired culture?
The CEO is the most prominent leader in the
company and, ultimately, therefore the chief
cultural executive. There is, however, a difference between
understanding the importance of culture and being
effective at leading a cultural vision. As mentioned, the first
step in leading a cultural vision involves understanding
how a healthy and productive culture drives the business
strategy. But to lead a cultural vision, the CEO needs to
be aware of change management principles such as the
stages of change and resistance to change, and how to
use multiple communication channels to skillfully deliver
and reinforce messages.
For example, the CEO of a manufacturing company in
Richmond, BC, conceived the image of a winning team
to communicate the desired culture. He posted images of
winning teams around the company, and went on a tour
of its international operations, where he took pictures of
images which did not seem to align with his winning team
concept. The images he captured included messy desks
and cigarette butts littered outside the office entrance.
Then, the CEO spent time reflecting on which of the
executives seemed aligned with the culture he aspired
to, and which did not. He met with each executive, asking
them how they could best contribute to a winning team,
and tailored his approach depending on the level of
resistance he anticipated.
3
Does your culture honor diversity?
To unleash the full promise of a company’s
culture, make better decisions, and drive
innovation, diversity is a must. Inclusiveness,
whether of those with different opinions, nationalities,
or genders, empowers individuals and strengthens
organizations, but it can also be challenging to uphold,
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