Colin on Culture

Middle managers often find themselves in a tough spot, squeezed between higher-ups and unhappy teams. They struggle with skill gaps and stress, which organizations often overlook. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for practical education to empower these crucial players. By investing in their development, companies can improve organizational culture and enhance employee engagement, ultimately turning this crisis into an opportunity for growth.

Let's explore the key characteristics of vibrant workplace cultures and take inspiration for culture change. I look at the importance of building human relationships, effective collaboration, celebrating successes, learning from failures, establishing meaningful values, promoting equity, and maintaining work-life balance. By adopting these practices, you too can foster a positive and productive work environment.

Subcultures play an important role in shaping organisational culture. Managers have the agency to create their own team cultures without needing permission, but they don't always have the skills to foster a sense of belonging among employees. In this episode I explore how subcultures can drive culture change and enhance overall performance and the crucial skills development for managers that will make it possible. Subscribe to Colin on Culture here for weekday emails full of insights and inspiration for creating a great place to work: www.colindellis.com/boomTake the Five Cultures Quiz and find out what kind of culture you have right now: https://www.fiveculturesquiz.com/

In this episode I'm exploring the parallels between toxic workplace cultures and the phenomenon of UFOs, emphasising how leadership often denies or gaslights concerns about toxic behaviours. Let's look at the importance of acknowledging issues, the toxic culture ladder, and the necessity of creating a safe environment for employees to report concerns. I also look at the need for effective crisis management and communication strategies to address and mitigate toxic cultures. Subscribe to Colin on Culture⁠ for a weekday mixed media email that will help you to create a great place to work.

Leadership behaviour significantly influences and shapes workplace culture.In this episode I outline a five-step framework for effective behaviour change that emphasises the importance of recognition, setting expectations, accountability, coaching, and providing help to facilitate sustainable change. Behaviour change is not only possible but essential for creating a vibrant organisational culture. And yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Subscribe to Colin on Culture for a weekday mixed media email that will help you to create a great place to work.

Welcome to the first episode of the Colin on Culture podcast - a revamp of Culture & Coffee for 2025! In this episode I explore the critical distinction between merely investing in organisational culture and being genuinely invested in it. I share some insights from my own experiences which have reinforced for me that true investment in culture involves active participation, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 📧 Subscribe to Colin on Culture - a weekday newsletter and a monthly deep dive: https://www.colindellis.com/boom Free resources when you sign-up: ☑️ Access to my virtual masterclass: How To Build A High Performance Culture ☑️ 10 Benefits of Purposeful Culture Building - a visual guide ☑️ Whitepaper: How Executives Enable a High Performance Culture ☑️ Whitepaper: A Management Guide To Great Cultures ☑️ The Common Sense Email Charter ☑️ The Common Sense Manifesto

What does it mean to be happy at work and why does it matter? In this episode I discuss the importance of employee happiness, distinguishing it from mere engagement, and explore where happiness is derived from: well-being, a growth mindset, and achievement. I share insights on how organizations can foster a culture that values happiness, leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover. Let's also look at the role of leadership in creating an environment where employees feel motivated and fulfilled, ultimately contributing to both personal and organizational success. What kind of culture do you have right now? Take the free Five Cultures Quiz and find out.

Welcome to The AI Show! A special episode of Culture and Coffee where I use AI to talk about the role of AI in our work cultures and how we get things done. I explore the evolving role of AI in the workplace, its potential benefits, and the importance of understanding and utilising AI effectively. I also share my personal experiences with AI tools, and touch on the implications of AI for future employment and productivity, highlighting the necessity of curiosity and critical thinking when engaging with AI technologies. I'd love to know what you think of this episode and how I used AI to create it. Key takeaways Using up-to-date research is crucial for relevance. The productivity J-curve indicates a time lag in AI effectiveness. Curiosity and open-mindedness are essential when exploring AI. Proper training is necessary for effective AI usage. Organisations must be transparent about AI's purpose. Subscribe to my newsletter, Making Great Work Happen, and score a digital swag bag of useful resources: www.colindellis.com/boom

In this episode of the Culture and Coffee Podcast, I'm exploring the various types of workplace cultures, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and engagement. I unpack the six pillars of culture, the characteristics of stagnant, pleasant, combatant, and toxic cultures, and the significance of building a vibrant culture for organisational success. I encourage you to assess your own workplace culture through my free Five Cultures quiz and reflect on the actions needed to foster a positive environment. Check out the quiz here - it only takes a few minutes to complete. Key takeaways Understanding the six pillars of culture is essential for success. Emotional intelligence and engagement are key indicators of culture. Stagnant cultures exhibit low interaction and poor performance. Pleasant cultures may lack challenge and accountability. Combatant cultures are high in engagement but low in emotional intelligence. Toxic cultures are difficult to recover from and require significant change. Vibrant cultures foster high engagement and emotional intelligence. Regular assessment of culture can guide necessary changes. Effective leadership is crucial in shaping workplace culture. A culture strategy is vital for achieving organisational goals.

There's a growing trend of employee tracking and monitoring. Let's explore the reasons behind these practices (including operational efficiency, security, and performance insights) and the negative cultural implications of such surveillance. I am advocating for a culture of trust and collaboration, suggesting that organizations should focus on educating managers and employees about the value of togetherness rather than resorting to invasive monitoring practices. Key takeaways Employee tracking is not a new phenomenon; it has been around for years. Surveillance can lead to a culture of mistrust and undermine employee morale. Younger employees are more sensitive to monitoring practices than older generations. Cultural implications of tracking include loss of autonomy and psychological safety. Organizations should focus on building trust rather than surveillance. The rise of 'hushed hybrid' work environments can create uneven experiences among teams. Companies that prioritize trust and collaboration will attract and retain talent more effectively. Connect with Colin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.colindellis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Take the free Five Cultures Quiz: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.colindellis.com/culture-quiz⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order DETOX YOUR CULTURE ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detox-Your-Culture-Strengthen-Organizations/dp/1399414070