Worklife with Adam Grant

The 4 Deadly Sins of Work Culture

89 snips
Jun 21, 2022
Jenny Chapman, an organizational behavior professor known for her insights on workplace dynamics, teams up with Annie Kau, VP of Engineering at Simpson Manufacturing, a company celebrated for its strong culture. They discuss the four deadly sins of work culture, sharing fascinating anecdotes about navigating toxic environments versus thriving ones. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of pre-employment research and humor in fostering relationships. They also highlight leadership's crucial role in cultivating a positive culture and adapting to changing workforce needs.
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ANECDOTE

Maria's Toxic Job

  • Maria was excited about a new marketing manager job but was warned it was toxic.
  • She experienced strange rituals, a gift demand from the owner, and a lack of marketing strategy.
INSIGHT

Cultural Sins

  • Organizational cultures balance results vs. relationships and rules vs. risk.
  • Ignoring one value leads to toxicity, mediocrity, bureaucracy, or anarchy.
ADVICE

Culture Detective

  • Interview the company outside of your job interview to uncover cultural clues.
  • Ask about values, behaviors, alignment, non-negotiables, rewards, and punishments.
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