Kevin Oakes, head of I4CP, discusses cultural renovation in organizations, emphasizing core values, respectful behavior, and diversity. Topics include handling disrespectful employees, HR leadership, and the importance of clear communication during change.
Successful culture change requires aligning leaders' actions with defined values and behaviors.
Measuring and reporting progress in culture change initiatives is crucial for organizational success.
Talent mobility and diversity enhance organizational performance and innovation.
Deep dives
Blueprint for Culture Change
Kevin Oakes discusses his book, 'Culture Renovation,' which provides a blueprint for successful culture change in organizations. The book outlines 18 specific actions divided into three phases: plan, build, and maintain. By combining reliable research, examples, and actionable strategies, the book offers a practical approach to implementing culture change.
Importance of Defining Desired Behaviors
Oakes emphasizes the significance of defining desired behaviors within an organization to drive culture change. Leaders are encouraged to align their actions with the values and behaviors they set forth. By training leaders on desired behaviors and ensuring consistency throughout the organization, cultural transformation becomes more achievable.
Measuring and Monitoring Culture Progress
The podcast delves into the necessity of measuring, monitoring, and reporting progress in culture change initiatives. Successful organizations proactively determine metrics for culture change and align them with business outcomes. Boards are increasingly interested in culture-related disclosures, viewing human capital as a critical aspect of organizational success.
Dealing with Skeptics and Non-Believers
Organizations often face challenges when dealing with skeptics and non-believers during cultural renovations. Successful organizations have been known to identify and push out those who do not align with the company's vision. Fear of becoming irrelevant can cause skeptics to resist change, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Recognizing and addressing resistant behaviors is crucial in driving successful cultural transformations.
Importance of Talent Mobility and Diversity
Promoting talent mobility within organizations leads to improved communication and collaboration across different units. High-performing organizations incentivize managers to move talent internally, fostering diverse experiences and skill development. Embracing diversity of thought and experiences enhances organizational performance and drives innovation. Creating a culture of shared power and collaboration, irrespective of gender or race, contributes to building high-performing and inclusive workplaces.
Kevin Oakes is the head of the world’s leading HR research firm, the Institute for Corporate Productivity, and we are talking about his new book, Culture Renovation: 18 Leadership Actions to Build an Unshakeable Company. The best playbooks are a combination of reliable research, relatable examples, and actionable strategies. And this is the best playbook I’ve seen when it comes to creating organizational cultures that create competitive advantage, unlock performance, and rehumanize work.
