CIPD Podcast 220: Do leaders establish culture, or are they a product of it?
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Jul 8, 2025 Andy Ayim is a leadership counsellor and entrepreneur who has advised major companies, while Beth Samson serves as People Director at Investors in People, known for her insights into organizational culture. They dive into the chicken-or-egg debate on whether leadership shapes culture or vice versa. Key discussions revolve around open communication, the need for leaders to align actions with words, and the role of soft skills in navigating modern challenges. They also highlight the importance of mentoring and self-awareness in fostering a thriving work environment.
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Leadership Seen in First Encounters
- A strong indicator of good leadership is the supportive, helpful, and friendly culture experienced by staff at all levels from first encounter.
- This example shows how friendly behavior from staff outside official interviews reflects well-led organizational culture.
Leadership and Culture Are Reciprocal
- Leadership shapes culture and culture equally shapes leadership, creating a reciprocal relationship.
- Leaders influence culture by what they permit, promote, and punish, setting a behavioral blueprint.
Culture Shapes Feelings and Performance
- Culture is defined by collective behaviors, norms, and rituals that shape feelings in an organization.
- Feelings impact performance deeply; leaders must role model the behavior they want to see.