Changing a Culture
On Fridays we’ve been talking through the book Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolister.
Peter Drucker is credited for keying the phrase “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”, meaning that no amount of strategizing will be able to overcome an organization’s culture and behavior. Bolister describes organizational culture as “the way we do things around here”. Culture is set by the values and actions of the leaders. It is not set by the goals or aspirations of the leaders, but rather the actual behaviors. So, how do leaders change a culture? They DO!
Moving towards a healthy culture requires leaders to focus on alignment, clarity and embodiment. They must work to align their goals, clarify their values, embody those values and LOVE those they encounter along the way.
Business ethicist, David Burkus said that “People typically do not look to written codes for clues about how to behave; they look to others.” We can change things by acting DIFFERENTLY. When we embody change, culture and love, others notice. How do we change the DNA of anything? We must create or “birth” something new.
So, how will you lead those in your life? How can you embody love to those around you? It won’t happen by accident! Start living differently and intentionally. Do!