HOW LEADERS INFLUENCE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE| Leading Transformational Change Ep. 004 |

Summary

In this episode of 'Leading Transformational Change,' the speaker uses the metaphor of organizational culture as a glass of water to explain how every employee, from leaders to staff, contributes to the overall health of the culture. Toxic behaviors, even if minor, can contaminate this culture, while healthy actions create a positive environment. Leaders are urged to reflect on how their actions and tolerance of certain behaviors impact the organization's culture. The speaker challenges leaders to consider how they can foster a healthy culture, inviting ongoing dialogue and engagement on this vital topic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Culture is like a glass of water, and everyone in the organization contributes to it.
• 😀 The impact of culture extends beyond employees to include customers, suppliers, and the community.
• 😀 Leaders have a more significant impact on the culture, but everyone plays a role in shaping it.
• 😀 Small actions or behaviors, even if seemingly insignificant, can have a big impact on the organization's culture.
• 😀 Tolerating toxic behavior or negative influences can contaminate the organizational culture.
• 😀 It's not just what leaders do, but also what they allow or tolerate, that shapes the culture.
• 😀 A leader’s influence on culture can be positive or destructive, depending on their actions and tolerance of behaviors.
• 😀 Even high-performing employees who negatively affect the culture can harm the organization in the long term.
• 😀 Leaders should reflect on how their actions either positively or negatively impact the culture.
• 😀 The ultimate challenge is for leaders to foster a culture that is healthy and supportive of all involved.
• 😀 The vision is to create organizations with a healthy heart, where positive culture is the norm, not the exception.

Q & A

What is the metaphor used to describe organizational culture in the script?

The metaphor used to describe organizational culture is that culture is like a glass of water that everyone who interacts with the organization drinks from.

How does the water metaphor illustrate the impact of organizational culture?

The water metaphor shows that the culture of an organization, like water, affects everyone who encounters it—employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. Just as water can be clear or polluted, organizational culture can be healthy or toxic based on the behaviors and actions of individuals.

What role do leaders play in shaping organizational culture?

Leaders have a significant role in shaping organizational culture. Their behaviors and actions, both positive and negative, can greatly influence the health of the organization's culture. Senior leadership, in particular, has a much greater impact compared to other employees.

How can small actions or behaviors impact organizational culture?

Small actions or behaviors can have a large impact on organizational culture. Even a minor toxic behavior or a seemingly insignificant decision can pollute the 'water' of the culture and negatively affect the entire organization.

What is the danger of tolerating toxic behaviors in an organization?

Tolerating toxic behaviors, even when the person engaging in them performs well in other areas (e.g., high sales), can lead to a negative cultural shift. These behaviors, if not addressed, can create a destructive environment that undermines the health and wellbeing of the organization.

Why is it important for everyone in the organization to be aware of their impact on the culture?

It is important because everyone contributes to the organization's culture, whether they realize it or not. Each person's actions, attitudes, and behaviors collectively shape the culture, and leaders must ensure that these contributions align with the organization's values and desired culture.

How can leaders be more mindful of their influence on culture?

Leaders can be more mindful by reflecting on their actions and recognizing both the positive and negative impacts they have on the culture. They should also be conscious of the behaviors they tolerate and the example they set for others.

What should leaders do if they notice destructive behaviors within the organization?

Leaders should address destructive behaviors promptly and not allow them to persist, even if the individual involved performs well in other areas. They should prioritize the health of the organization's culture over individual performance when necessary.

What is the challenge posed to leaders in this script?

The challenge posed to leaders is to reflect on their actions and determine how they are either contributing to or detracting from the health of the organization's culture. Leaders are encouraged to think about how their leadership impacts the culture in both positive and negative ways.

How can organizations develop a healthy organizational culture, according to the script?

Organizations can develop a healthy culture by actively promoting positive behaviors and values, addressing toxic behaviors immediately, and ensuring that all levels of the organization, particularly leadership, model the desired culture. Building a healthy culture requires continuous effort and commitment from everyone involved.