ation

Quintessential Thought

We’ve been exploring culture in our recent newsletters, looking at the primary dimensions and four dominant types of culture, then approaching the question why change culture?

As we conclude this series, it’s time to consider how to change culture effectively.

First, remember that there are two sides to culture change:

1. Seek to protect the parts of your culture that contribute to your success

2. Seek to adapt the parts of your culture that impede your success

To accomplish this, consider how you can:

• Be an example of the desired culture

• Make requests of those who can influence the culture

• Find and express the cost of staying the same

• Envision and communicate the future state

• Invite specific action

Since changing culture is complex, craft experiments to protect and adapt your culture and observe how it impacts your desired outcomes. You can read more about setting up an experiment as a hypothesis here.

Quotes

“One of the most important actions, things a leader can do, is to lead by example. If you want everyone else to be passionate, committed, dedicated, and motivated, you go first!” — Marshall Goldsmith

“...culture … is largely invisible, unwritten and unspoken, but paradoxically, it causes employees the greatest pain, dissatisfaction, frustration, and failure to thrive.” — Carrick and Dunaway

“A useful rule of thumb: Whenever you cannot describe the vision driving a change initiative in five minutes or less and get a reaction that signifies both understanding and interest, you are in for trouble.” ― John P. Kotter

Quick Step

Craft a hypothesis for one of your culture change experiments and then get feedback from one or two people who would be involved.

Question

What is one small step you can take to affect the culture?

Professional Product Discovery and Validation, Jan 24

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