Build organization culture as a strategic capability
Culture underpins every aspect of how your organization functions
The culture of an organization is embedded in the very fabric that holds it together. It drives everything: from how decisions are made to how feedback is given, from how your organization learns and develops, to how employees join or leave you.
The opportunities, challenges and barriers organizations may face when transforming organizational culture include:
- Rethinking command and control
- Building trust and responsibility
- Breaking down silos to foster collaboration and innovation
- Creating a genuine customer-centric mindset
- Cultivating openness and curiosity to foster true inclusivity
- Nurturing mindfulness to become sustainable at the core
Culture must therefore be understood as an organizational capability and be developed in “close conversation” with your corporate strategy. It is only by shifting and aligning your culture to fit with your new priorities that you can achieve real transformation.
Aligning workforce culture with your priorities to achieve real transformation
of organizations say that "how we build culture" is the aspect of the employee
experience that has changed most due to the pandemic.
agree that culture is crucial when implementing flexible working.
see an improved culture as critically important to driving business outcomes, and attracting and retaining talent.
How do we change organization culture?
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Design a desirable culture
A jointly designed targeted culture brings people together and projects a desirable future for every employee. Its goals should be ambitious and in line with the strategic direction of the organization. It should build upon the strengths of the current workforce culture, and anticipate and fulfil the needs of the future. -
Reflect on existing behavior
An authentic evaluation of the current workforce culture and related behaviors are key to successful transformation. This process generates a picture of reality, triggers the process of behavioral change, and creates a strong call to action. -
Remove culture barriers
Identify artifacts and behaviors that prevent people from acting in line with the targeted culture. Written and unwritten rules will come to the fore and be questioned. Redesigning or doing away with such rules will remove obstacles that prevent people from adapting to the new normal. -
Invite to develop
The entire transformation journey is an invitation for employees to develop both their organization and themselves. It is a promise that must be kept. Within the emerging organizational learning process, new ways of working will be explored and internalized. -
Activate every employee
Through leadership alignment and development, leaders start acting as role models and actively shape change. Continuous communication addresses the barriers to transformation. Dialogue and participation generate acceptance and engagement within the workforce, activating everybody for the future.