325: Culture Systems, Walls and Onboarding with Erica Marrari of GapingVoid - Part 2
Dec 3, 2023
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COO of GapingVoid, Erica Marrari, discusses the use of semiotics to visualize beliefs and values. They explore the challenges of meeting resistance and rewarding norms that mirror change. Discover the value GapingVoid provides to applicants and the importance of common language in building a successful culture.
Genuine discussion and buy-in from team members are crucial for creating a strong culture that goes beyond surface-level visuals.
Semiotics play a vital role in expressing an organization's belief system through visuals, fostering dialogue and reflection.
Deep dives
Importance of Authentic Culture in Teams and Organizations
Creating a culture that aligns with the day-to-day operations and values of a team or organization is crucial. It is not enough to have empty leadership cliches or core values displayed on walls without genuine discussion and buy-in from team members. This entails going beyond surface-level visuals and engaging in conversations that define the beliefs and meanings behind those phrases. A strong culture requires ongoing reflection, communication, and living out of those values as a team.
Semiotics: Visuals and Belief Systems in Culture
Semiotics play a vital role in expressing an organization's belief system through visuals. These symbols and artifacts represent the ideals and ideas within an organization, encouraging conversations and fostering a shared understanding. While some may view them as cliches, semiotics hold deeper meanings and provide opportunities for dialogue. By creating unique visuals that stand out, organizations can prompt reflection, challenge assumptions, and encourage engagement with their core beliefs and values.
Culture as an Operating System
Culture can be likened to an operating system that shapes an organization's identity and influences how employees show up. It is not about implementing rules or policies, but rather changing thinking patterns and shaping norms. Leaders must dig deep into the mindset and mental models that drive behaviors, focusing on the fundamental beliefs and principles of the organization. By addressing the human aspect and promoting an open and meritocratic environment, leaders can foster a culture that inspires and empowers their teams.
Overcoming Resistance and Cultivating Change
Resistance to change is inevitable, but leaders can navigate through it by focusing on the power of influence and persistence. By cultivating a few believers who champion the change, it is possible to shift the culture gradually. Change often follows a bell curve, with early adopters embracing new ideas and others gradually joining. Celebrating positive behaviors, encouraging conversations, and allowing for diverse perspectives can help overcome obstacles and create a culture that continuously evolves and improves.
JP Nerbun and Nate Sanderson continue their conversation with Erica Marrari, the COO of GapingVoid, a culture design organization and consulting group. They discuss how organizations can use semiotics to influence and visualize beliefs & values. The episode also explores the challenges of meeting resistance and rewarding the norms that mirror change. Get a glimpse into the value that GapingVoid provides its applicants and why that is important to them as a company.