In our latest broadcast of The Digital Download, “How Leaders Build Cultures That Last with Special Guest Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks,” we dove headfirst into the captivating world of campus recruiting and internship programs with our guest, Joanna Walker, Founder of Point HR Consulting.
Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
- The Power of Effective Leadership
Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks emphasized the role of effective leadership in building thriving cultures by prioritizing communication, accountability, culture reinforcement, and celebration while avoiding negative behavior that can derail progress.
- Flexibility Without Compromising Core Values
Dr. Karen advocated for leaders to embrace new methods and technologies, but stressed the importance of holding firm to core values which guide organizational behavior to maintain consistency and integrity.
- Culture is Greater Than Perks
Dr. Karen and the hosts discussed the misconception that superficial perks like pool tables define culture; instead, meaningful culture is built on alignment with organizational goals and values that foster collaboration and productivity.
- Sharing Stories to Define Culture
Dr. Karen highlighted the importance of identifying and sharing stories that exemplify a company’s culture, emphasizing that real, consistent stories reflect and reinforce the organization’s values and mission.
- The Balance of Personal and Organizational Influence
Dr. Karen stressed that while new team members bring valuable insights, it’s crucial for organizations to maintain their core values to ensure stability and cohesion, advocating for a balance between embracing innovation and preserving foundational principles.
You can listen to the episode here
You can watch the episode here
Beyond the Show: More Insights from our Guest
What is Culture?
Culture is “the way we do things around here” and determines how you treat your workforce, customers, and partners. Culture is what you do more than what you say. It is the soil in which you plant and grow your people. It’s the air they breathe. Provide nutrient rich soil and clean air for best results.
Why is Culture Important?
Culture is the basis for attracting, selecting, retaining, and releasing talent from the organization. Employees, clients, and partners select you for your culture and you select them for the same. When you know and champion your culture, you get your best-fit people.
7 Ways to Build a Culture That Lasts
1. Build on a Foundation of Values
Values signal what people can expect. For example, when there is manufacturing error that results in a product defect, the company that lives by a high commitment to responsibility, excellence, service, and ethical practice will respond in a different way from the company that lives by a high commitment to maximized profits, minimization of re-work, speed, and high volume.
2. Build on Organization Strengths
Companies win and succeed when they focus on their marketplace distinctives and what makes them unique. It’s better to be the Best you than an inferior copy of someone else who is operating in their zone of genius.
3. Model Desired Behavior in the Executive/Leadership Ranks
If you say you want people to take time off when ill and the leaders routinely come to work sick, then your culture does not support time off for illness.
4. Share Company Culture Stories
Look for people living the values of your company and regularly share these stories at staff gatherings and State of the Business meetings.
5. Create a Culture of Development and Feedback
Culture creation is intentional. Give people feedback on what they are doing well and what they need to improve to live out the desired culture. Teach and develop your people in a continuous learning environment.
6. Align all Levels in the Same Direction
Without alignment people get confused about the true culture. Create a culture that is consistent and about which employees feel proud.
7. Celebrate Your Culture
People do more of what you reward and celebrate.
Barriers to Lasting Culture Creation
1. Focus more on what is wrong rather than finding and highlighting what is right
2. Beat the sheep more than feed them
3. Assume people already know the expected culture
4. Fail to create accountability through feedback and development
Culture that lasts leaves people and organizations better than you found them. Your Living Leadership Legacy is how you live, lead, and leave your unique investment and contribution.
Dr. Karen Y. Wilson-Starks is the President and CEO of TRANSLEADERSHIP, INC., host of The Voice of Leadership show, author of Lead Yourself First, Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and recipient of the RHR International Excellence in Consultation Award. She can be reached at Dr.Karen@transleadership.com; www.transleadership.com
