Most adults spend 90,000 hours of their lives at work, so it’s natural that we want to feel deeply connected to the individuals we work alongside all day. Employees who feel emotionally connected with one another report they are not only happier at work, but also more engaged and creative. In fact, employees who work with their best friend are 7 times more likely to be fully engaged at work. With such key business outcomes on the line, naturally many organizations aspire to a family-like culture where employees feel deeply connected and comfortable with one another. From picnics to softball … Read More
Strategies for Building Accountability
In a recent online poll, leaders reported that the number one change they’d like to see in their corporate culture is a stronger commitment to accountability. Accountability takes many different forms across organizations. In many cases, accountability is only referenced in the form of performance failures and mistakes. In this context, accountability is often characterized as being willing to “fall on your sword” and admit your part in where things went wrong. This is a short-sighted and negative interpretation of accountability that is unlikely to create a positive change in an organization’s culture. At its best, accountability is a personal … Read More
Taking Ownership of Organizational Culture
You never know when you’ll experience an ah-ha moment that transcends the original application. Two members of our team recently experienced one of those moments while attending a performance of BodyVox, an internationally touring dance company based in Portland. While reflecting on the unfortunate lack of appreciation and support for liberal arts in the education system, Jamey Hampton, BodyVox co-founder and co-artistic director, commented. “We can’t say it’s a cultural problem. We ARE the culture.” “Ah-ha,” we said. There are no spectators when it comes to culture (both within the organizational context and beyond). Everyone plays a role, and the … Read More
When to Worry About Your Culture
In the past few weeks, I’ve had an influx of conversations around organizational culture. In each case, the leaders were concerned about the possibility of their culture turning toxic. As I listened to the unique contributing factors for each organization, ranging from recent mergers to exponential growth and struggling financials, what I heard were managers worried that a scramble for resources and recognition would turn unhealthy. Certainly, that’s a valid concern, and one we should all proactively manage. It takes so little to turn an organization from an award-winning culture to Lord of the Flies.
- Page 2 of 2
- 1
- 2