Values Come to Life: Transforming your Company Culture with Action | Coralyn Musser | TEDxMNSU

Summary

The speaker discusses the importance of company culture, emphasizing that it can significantly influence organizational success beyond strategic plans. Through a series of volunteer service trips, the company has integrated its core values of compassion and generosity into its culture. Employees engage deeply with communities in need, fostering teamwork, personal growth, and meaningful connections. This initiative has not only increased volunteer participation but has also transformed the workplace into a more compassionate and collaborative environment, illustrating how immersive experiences can drive cultural change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Company culture significantly influences success more than strategy alone.
• 😀 Engaging team-building activities often fail to create lasting cultural change.
• 😀 Volunteering with organizations fosters deeper connections among employees.
• 😀 Corporate values like compassion and generosity can be integrated through hands-on experiences.
• 😀 Service trips allow employees to actively contribute to their communities and reflect on personal growth.
• 😀 The company covers all expenses for employees participating in service trips, promoting inclusivity.
• 😀 Teams return from service trips with stronger bonds and improved communication skills.
• 😀 Employees often find unexpected personal connections and shared experiences during trips.
• 😀 Volunteering has measurable benefits, including increased employee engagement in charitable giving.
• 😀 Genuine cultural change requires actions that align with stated core values, not just words.

Q & A

What does the quote 'culture eats strategy for breakfast' imply?

It suggests that the culture of a company is more influential in driving success than its strategic plans.

Why do many team-building events fail to produce long-term transformation?

These events often create a temporary engagement but do not align with the company's core values, leading teams to revert to their original behaviors.

What are the two core values emphasized by the company?

The core values highlighted are compassion and generosity.

What unique initiative did the CEO propose for enhancing company culture?

The CEO proposed sending teams out to volunteer with charitable organizations for extended periods, rather than just a few hours.

How long do the service trips typically last?

The service trips usually last about six days, including travel time and four core working days.

What expenses does the company cover for these service trips?

The company covers all expenses related to travel, lodging, and other costs, treating it like any other business trip.

What measurable changes have occurred in the company's culture since implementing these service trips?

There has been an increase in volunteer hours, participation in charitable donations, and overall engagement in the company's core values.

What personal impact did one employee report after participating in a service trip?

One employee expressed that the bonding and experiences during the trip expanded their sense of empathy and connection to others.

How do these service trips contribute to professional development?

They promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also fostering deep personal connections among employees.

What challenge does the speaker present to the audience regarding their own corporate cultures?

The speaker challenges the audience to ensure their cultural statements and values are actively reflected in their employees' actions, not just words on a page.