How can you embed culture in your organization's performance management system?

1 Define your desired culture

Before you can embed culture in your performance management system, you need to define what kind of culture you want to create and sustain. What are the core values, beliefs, and norms that guide your organization's actions and decisions? How do they support your vision, mission, and strategy? How do they differentiate you from your competitors and attract the right talent? You can use tools such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or workshops to gather input from your stakeholders and create a clear and compelling culture statement.

3 Communicate and train your employees on your culture and performance expectations

To embed culture in your performance management system, you need to communicate and train your employees on what your culture means and what you expect from them. You need to make sure that your employees understand the link between your culture and your performance indicators, and how they can demonstrate and improve their alignment. You can use various channels and methods, such as newsletters, intranet, webinars, workshops, or coaching, to share your culture statement, explain your performance indicators, provide examples and best practices, and answer questions and concerns.

4 Monitor and evaluate your culture and performance

To embed culture in your performance management system, you need to monitor and evaluate how your culture and performance are evolving and impacting each other. You need to collect and analyze data from various sources, such as performance reviews, surveys, feedback, or audits, to assess the level of alignment and satisfaction among your employees and stakeholders. You also need to identify the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, and take action accordingly. For example, if you find that your culture is not well understood or embraced by some employees, you can provide additional training or coaching, or revise your hiring or promotion criteria.

5 Recognize and reward your culture champions

To embed culture in your performance management system, you need to recognize and reward your culture champions. Culture champions are the employees who embody and promote your culture, and who influence and inspire others to do the same. They are the role models and ambassadors of your organization, and they deserve to be appreciated and celebrated. You can use various forms of recognition and reward, such as verbal praise, certificates, bonuses, or career opportunities, to acknowledge and motivate your culture champions, and to encourage others to follow their example.

By embedding culture in your performance management system, you can create a stronger and more sustainable competitive advantage for your organization. You can also enhance the engagement, performance, and retention of your employees, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?