The culture of an organization or team is shaped by the values that leaders hold and the everyday practices that represent those values. From those values, good leaders are able to establish standards of quality, expectations for performance, and competencies that support personal and professional growth.
Great field note. People can use the same words but understand or define those very differently, and making cultural expectations explicit can lead to a shared understanding, as noted. One still must practice what is preached, but the making explicit can help clarify what right looks like. Another domain I’ve heard the expression “make the implicit explicit” is decision making in Annie Duke’s writing. Her point is that making assumptions and decision criteria explicit leads to better decisions (and better ability to learn if the decision criteria is explicit). Final thought, making the values explicit would seem to facilitate discussion over values vs incidents, which has been noted in prior field notes. Thx!
"Teaching culture begins by making the implicit explicit." Excellent point! I see value in focusing on our team's norms, specifically encouraging, challenging, giving direct feedback on specific behaviors that are forming the norms (which bubble up to form our culture.) This seems to be where the work gets done and without it, we just have magical thinking.
This is something I aspire towards. Everything else falls into place with fortitude and perseverance. Probably some patience too.
Another less mentioned skill I have been working on is the ability to look at a group, see it's culture, and walk away. The late Peter F. Drucker made solid points on why a wise individual should walk away if the culture is not a good fit. Perhaps if one is the CEO (even then I doubt it, they usually only have their reputation on the line, if that. Whether they succeed or fail, they get a nice golden parachute, while the frontlines worker is lucky if they get a severance package) they may stand a chance to give a mirage of change.
Ultimately, as Americans I believe we have forgotten why we work. It's merely a job, nothing more, nothing less. Go spend time with the one/s you love. That's what really matters.
Do you think this is a strictly American observation? Is this a commentary on American culture for you, Joe, or do you think it would be a recommendation for others cultures too?
We are a mixed bag of course. Each state can vary in their beliefs, culture, and all around treatment of individuals.
Take Texas for example. Yes the DFW area is consistently growing. With no state income tax, what a solid place to work and get a healthy amount of taxes back. People are also raised with manners (in my experience). There's a saying: "First a Texan, then an American." In school students are taught Texas history, then American history (again my experience).
In the the Midwest, people tend to be more quiet and just focus on extra reps. Chicago, IL is a bit different. People are always hustling. Even when not working, one has to be sharpening their saw (Covey, 1989); out of pure survival. They present as a "wonderful place," yet there's so much violence (If you actually look around if you live there. At the least, read their news...). It is a major business hubbub.
If we go to the Carolinas we may run into some mountain folks and city folks. Not even mentioning the cuisine. For example, shrimp and grits. Who'd have thought that was good? Yet it is.
My main point is a job is meant to help us better our lives. It doesn't necessarily mean we're going to love it. This is especially true starting in a industry. Regardless of what institutions tell the students. To teach otherwise is irresponsible.
Great field note. People can use the same words but understand or define those very differently, and making cultural expectations explicit can lead to a shared understanding, as noted. One still must practice what is preached, but the making explicit can help clarify what right looks like. Another domain I’ve heard the expression “make the implicit explicit” is decision making in Annie Duke’s writing. Her point is that making assumptions and decision criteria explicit leads to better decisions (and better ability to learn if the decision criteria is explicit). Final thought, making the values explicit would seem to facilitate discussion over values vs incidents, which has been noted in prior field notes. Thx!
"Teaching culture begins by making the implicit explicit." Excellent point! I see value in focusing on our team's norms, specifically encouraging, challenging, giving direct feedback on specific behaviors that are forming the norms (which bubble up to form our culture.) This seems to be where the work gets done and without it, we just have magical thinking.
Good morning,
One of my rules is "lead by example."
This is something I aspire towards. Everything else falls into place with fortitude and perseverance. Probably some patience too.
Another less mentioned skill I have been working on is the ability to look at a group, see it's culture, and walk away. The late Peter F. Drucker made solid points on why a wise individual should walk away if the culture is not a good fit. Perhaps if one is the CEO (even then I doubt it, they usually only have their reputation on the line, if that. Whether they succeed or fail, they get a nice golden parachute, while the frontlines worker is lucky if they get a severance package) they may stand a chance to give a mirage of change.
Ultimately, as Americans I believe we have forgotten why we work. It's merely a job, nothing more, nothing less. Go spend time with the one/s you love. That's what really matters.
Take care everyone.
Thanks for your time.
Do you think this is a strictly American observation? Is this a commentary on American culture for you, Joe, or do you think it would be a recommendation for others cultures too?
Good morning,
What a good question.
I will only comment on us as an American culture.
We are a mixed bag of course. Each state can vary in their beliefs, culture, and all around treatment of individuals.
Take Texas for example. Yes the DFW area is consistently growing. With no state income tax, what a solid place to work and get a healthy amount of taxes back. People are also raised with manners (in my experience). There's a saying: "First a Texan, then an American." In school students are taught Texas history, then American history (again my experience).
In the the Midwest, people tend to be more quiet and just focus on extra reps. Chicago, IL is a bit different. People are always hustling. Even when not working, one has to be sharpening their saw (Covey, 1989); out of pure survival. They present as a "wonderful place," yet there's so much violence (If you actually look around if you live there. At the least, read their news...). It is a major business hubbub.
If we go to the Carolinas we may run into some mountain folks and city folks. Not even mentioning the cuisine. For example, shrimp and grits. Who'd have thought that was good? Yet it is.
My main point is a job is meant to help us better our lives. It doesn't necessarily mean we're going to love it. This is especially true starting in a industry. Regardless of what institutions tell the students. To teach otherwise is irresponsible.
Always a pleasure talking with y'all;).