The Leadership Enigma 128: The Culture Advantage | Dan Strode
Dan Strode is the author of The Culture Advantage and Group Director of Culture & Strategy for Santander based in Madrid.
Dan explains that the best performing companies are doing things culturally in a certain way and that this became the genesis of his book. The pace of change has never been so fast and yet will never be as slow as it is today. By 2027, 75% of the S&P companies will not be here.
Culture patterns and behaviours are important: One of the most important Dan outlines is the ability to rethink your business model and Kodak is a powerful example of not being able to do that.
Dan describes culture as “the way we do things around here when no one is looking and there is no advantage to be gained.”
Putting people first is essential for any leader. Dan explains that all companies are made up of four key groups; employees, customers, shareholders (financial stakeholders) and finally the communities within which you operate. They create a virtuous circle and by benefitting one you benefit them all.
The younger talent populations value meaning, purpose and culture which means the power is shifting and the need for a positive and inclusive culture is non-negotiable.
What is the leader’s role in culture? Whilst culture is everyone’s responsibility, Dan’s research reveals that leaders have an outsized role to play. Culture can’t be outsourced to someone else as this simply provides evidence that leaders don’t understand the value of culture. Secondly, leaders must be visible in their role modelling including paying attention to inactivity or tolerance of bad behaviours. Always remember…you are being watched closely as the leader.
In the words of Alexander den Heijer, “when I flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” Enjoy this episode and grow your own culture for success.
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