When it comes to organizational culture, misconceptions are everywhere. It's not just about fun holiday parties and foosball games in the break room. Real culture runs deeper. It’s the unseen force that drives behavior, engagement, and performance. So, who sets this culture? And how can it be cultivated effectively?
Common Misconceptions About Organizational Culture
Myth: Culture is Defined by Perks and Social Events Many believe that a company’s culture is all about the perks – the Friday happy hours, the ping-pong tables, and the extravagant holiday parties. While these can be nice bonuses, they don’t define culture. True culture is about how people interact, work together, and support one another.
Myth: Culture is the Responsibility of HR Another common myth is that culture is solely HR’s responsibility. While HR plays a critical role in shaping and nurturing culture, it’s ultimately set by the leadership team. Leaders at all levels must model the behaviors and values they want to see in their teams.
Myth: Employee Surveys are the Best Measure of Culture Employee surveys can provide valuable insights, but they often reflect the results of the culture rather than the culture itself. The real indicators are the daily behaviors and interactions within the company. How are conflicts resolved? How are successes celebrated? These are the leading indicators that set the scene for the culture.
Defining True Organizational Culture
Culture is a Shared Purpose and Values True culture is rooted in a shared purpose and values. When everyone in the organization understands and buys into the company’s mission and values, it creates a unified direction and a sense of belonging. This alignment helps to drive engagement and commitment.
Culture is Leadership-Driven Culture starts at the top. Leaders set the tone for the organization by modeling the behaviors and values they want to see. This includes being transparent, fostering open communication, and demonstrating a growth mindset. When leaders walk the talk, employees are more likely to follow suit.
Culture is Empowering and Inclusive A strong culture empowers employees to do their best work. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and supported. This involves recognizing achievements, providing opportunities for growth, and encouraging collaboration.
Tips to Move Forward
Align on Core Values Ensure that everyone in the organization understands and embraces the core values. Incorporate these values into everyday practices and decision-making processes.
Lead by Example As a leader, consistently demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in your team. Your actions speak louder than words and will set the tone for the entire organization.
Focus on Empowerment Create an environment where employees feel empowered to take initiative, share ideas, and make decisions. Provide the necessary resources and support to help them succeed.
Understanding and building a true organizational culture is a continuous journey. It requires commitment, consistency, and a focus on the leading indicators that truly reflect the organization’s values and behaviors. To objectively measure your culture and identify areas for improvement, take the 2-minute complimentary CultureSKOR assessment at my.getskor.com. This tool will provide invaluable insights to help you cultivate a culture that empowers your people to do their best work.