In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast, I delve into the pivotal role that leaders play in shaping and influencing organisational culture. I provide insights for leaders, managers, and HR professionals on how to embody and foster a positive culture within their teams and organisations.
I'll be looking at the problems people have:
- Leaders often perpetuate the opposite culture that they're looking for
- Toxicity is created by leaders
- Leaders want results but don't role model the behaviours expected to get them.
👉 This episode covers:
The Importance of Role Modelling Culture - Setting the Tone from the Top
Leadership is inherently challenging, but it is crucial for leaders to embody the culture they wish to see in their organisations. Leaders set the tone for the entire organisation, and their behaviours and actions are closely observed and often emulated by their teams.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership Behaviour
I discuss the amplification of leaders' behaviours and the ripple effect they have on the entire business. Positive leadership behaviours such as empathy, compassion, and innovation can significantly enhance organisational culture, while negative behaviours can perpetuate a toxic environment.
The Role of Managers in Shaping Subcultures
I highlight the significance of managers in shaping subcultures within an organisation. Investing in developing good managers is essential for building and protecting a positive organisational culture.
Upholding Agreements and Maintaining Consistency
A believable vision statement that drives decision-making and shapes team cultures is crucial.
Addressing Negative Culture and Poor Behaviour
I explore the challenges of leaders perpetuating negative culture through their behaviours, citing examples of toxic cultures driven by leaders' actions.
The Need for Ongoing Education and Openness
Highlighting the need for leaders to constantly educate themselves and demonstrate humility and openness.
Useful links 🔗
Connect with Colin on LinkedIn
Download the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives
Subscribe to the Making Great Work Happen weekly newsletter
🎙️ Check out Inside Out Culture Podcast where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.
TIMESTAMPS
Leaders and Culture (00:00:01)
Colin discusses the importance of leaders role-modelling the culture they expect within organisations.
Defining Team Culture (00:02:15)
Colin shares his experience as a senior manager in shaping team culture to contribute to a shared vision.
Toxic Leadership and Culture (00:05:20)
Colin highlights the impact of toxic leadership on organisational culture and the responsibility of leaders to model positive behaviours.
Investing in Culture (00:07:18)
Colin emphasises the importance of investing in organisational culture for long-term results and shares examples of improved engagement.
Leadership and Behaviour (00:12:07)
Colin discusses the impact of executive behaviour on organisational culture and the importance of positive leadership behaviours.
Discipline and Vision in Culture (00:16:45)
Colin explains the dual facets of culture, emphasising the importance of discipline, drive, and vision in addition to being a great human being.
Role-Modelling and Education (00:18:38)
Colin emphasises the role of leaders in actively educating themselves and role-modelling behaviours to positively impact employee loyalty and engagement.
Leadership and Success (00:20:47)
Colin discusses the impact of effective leadership on team success and individual motivation.
Aspiring to Leadership (00:22:15)
Encouragement for individuals to aspire to leadership roles and uphold high standards in shaping organisational culture.
Self-Reflection as a Role Model (00:23:35)
Encouraging leaders to evaluate their behaviour and consider if it would motivate and inspire their employees.