Unspoken Truths of Company Culture: Insights for Transformative Leadership

After having a very intimate and open discussion with seasoned professionals who have worked with company culture for decades, I was thrilled to find how much of my own reflections as a leadership coach and keynote speaker were aligned with their insights.

You see, many of us have this idea that company culture is a buzzword which companies can use as a badge to say they have implemented guidelines for company culture. However, much of what I've found was that these guidelines were not deeply embedded in the company's ethos.

It is very obvious when watching people work and interact to notice the lack of ingrained wisdom and team cohesion in everyday tasks, meetings and collaborations. Culture was a buzzword rather than a way of living and working for many companies.

In the words of organizational guru, Simon Sinek :

"Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first."

The significance of company culture has never been more important.

It's not just a buzzword; it's the lifeblood of an organization, influencing everything from employee engagement to long-term sustainability. As a seasoned speaker and leadership coach, I've had the privilege of delving deep into the heart of corporate culture, unearthing lessons that often remain hidden until it's too late.

We unveil the unspoken truths that can reshape your understanding of company culture.

The Microcosm Matters

"Culture is the deeper level of basic assumptions and beliefs that are shared by members of an organization." - Edgar Schein

It's easy to focus on the overarching culture of an organization, but what about the micro-cultures within departments and teams? These hidden ecosystems can influence employee morale and productivity in ways we often overlook.

I remember consulting with a tech giant where one innovation team thrived while another floundered. The difference? A micro-culture of collaboration versus one of competition. Recognizing and harmonizing these micro-cultures with the company's values is the key to a cohesive and thriving organization.

Shattering the Silence

Silence can be deafening in the corporate world. When employees feel they can't voice their concerns or ideas, a culture of silence prevails, stifling innovation and growth. Forward-thinking leaders actively encourage open dialogue and provide safe channels for anonymous feedback, empowering their teams to speak up without fear.

"Willful blindness is not just a moral problem. It's a business problem." - Margaret Heffernan

Beyond Superficial Perks

As Adam Grant , organizational psychologist and author, wisely points out,

"Culture is not about perks; it's about the values and beliefs that drive behavior."

Game rooms, free snacks and trendy office spaces may attract talent, but they don't sustain a culture. It's a painful truth that companies sometimes learn too late. A culture built solely on superficial benefits lacks depth and authenticity. True culture transcends perks; it's about shared values, purpose and a deep sense of belonging.

Diversity & Inclusion as Imperative

Neglecting diversity and inclusion can lead to biases, discrimination and a stifling lack of innovation. When I spoke at a biotech startup that struggled to attract diverse talent, it wasn't until they embraced diversity and inclusion initiatives that they unlocked a wave of creativity and fresh perspectives.

Walking the Talk

Your company's core values shouldn't be hollow words on a wall. It's a harsh realization when companies discover that their actions and decisions don't align with their professed values. Authenticity in leadership and aligning actions with words is the foundation of a resilient culture.

Mental Health Matters

Employee mental health isn't a fleeting concern; it's a paramount aspect of a healthy culture. Neglecting mental well-being can lead to burnout, reduced productivity and, ultimately, high turnover rates. Progressive organizations prioritize mental health support and destigmatize seeking help.

In the words of Arianna Huffington ,

"We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in."

Embrace Long-Term Thinking

In the quest for short-term gains, companies can lose sight of their long-term culture. It's a painful lesson that sacrificing long-term sustainability for immediate profits erodes trust and tarnishes reputations. Cultivate a culture that values enduring success over quick wins.

“Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit.” - Indian proverb.

Leadership's Pervasive Influence

Leadership sets the tone for an entire organization. Toxic or ineffective leaders can silently erode culture until it's too late. Recognize that leadership behavior isn't just influential; it's the cultural compass. A culture thrives or withers in response to leadership.

"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another." - John C. Maxwell

Invest in Employee Growth

A culture that doesn't invest in employee development risks stagnation and disengagement. Retain your top talent by providing growth opportunities and nurturing their potential.

I remember a company which decided to axe an employee wellbeing programme because “it didn’t make financial sense.” They paid the price later on for not considering the impact of employee wellbeing on plummeting engagement levels at work.

Flexibility is Paramount

In a world of constant change, a culture that resists flexibility hinders adaptation and innovation. Embrace the power of agility and the ability to pivot when necessary.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin

The unspoken truths of company culture are the revelations that can transform your organization into a beacon of excellence. As a speaker and advisor with deep insights born from years of practical experience, I invite you to embark on this journey of discovery with me.

Thank you to Željka Modrej and Sandi Jug for the wonderful conversation and deep insights which inspired this article.

Rishad

About Rishad Ahmed

Rishad Ahmed is an international speaker, Leadership coach, Author and Mentor who has worked with Fortune 100 companies globally.

He brings transformative wisdom to your organization to help leaders create a culture which will leave an indelible mark on your employees, your leadership and your bottom line.

Request Rishad to speak at your event or work with your company here: Learn more about Rishad here