What the Heck is Organizational Culture … and Why it Matters, Part 1

The “CEO Shepherd’s” three foundational pillars to building a sustainable organizational culture through leadership, Part 1.

A marriage of textbook theory and practical, hands-on learning is a sure way to build and strengthen your organization’s culture.

Continuous Learning

Building an organization - or turning a stagnant organization around, for that matter - starts with continuous learning. This process gives people the information they need to make informed decisions in the company's best interest.

People learn through a series of events, whether or not we realize it. The learning opportunities are endless. In the game of business, we need to leverage our learning opportunities.

How? In an empowered organization, it comes from getting people to strive toward a greater purpose by developing leadership skills.

The mechanisms for sustaining culture through continuous learning are communication through daily pulse meetings, weekly huddles around whiteboards, and monthly “Team Driver Meetings” to turn over “Rocks.” These learning mechanisms embody organizational values, and transmit the company culture to all employees.

It doesn’t take long for someone to figure out your culture, and what the company stands for. Education and learning are the keys. In-house training, mentoring, assigning a “buddy” to new employees, and meeting with vendors and customers are all learning opportunities that build “organizational culture.”

I like to say, “Why be ordinary? Be excellent!” How do you and your organization become excellent? By empowering your organization to become a team of free-thinking leaders. You’ll be amazed how empowerment and positivity will transform you and your organization.

Next post: The second of my three foundational pillars to building a sustainable organizational culture through leadership