Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast!

 

 

The phrase, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” is typically attributed to Peter Drucker, a management consultant, educator and author who some describe as, “the founder of modern management.” I say attributed because the quote has never been cited to him. In any case the phrase has merit!

 

What it aims to describe is that culture determines the success in an organization regardless of how effective your strategy might be. In other words, if the people in an organization aren’t passionate about your organization’s mission, vision and brand, it affects their ability to work together, solve problems and come up with new ideas for improvement. Their lack of enthusiasm could mean they are unwilling to give their time and energy which leads to disengagement.

 

As the percentage of disengaged employees hovers at 65%, we must find ways to change how we do things by creating a better culture. Think about the drivers that support employee engagement and the employee experience: communication, recognition, opportunity, feeling “in” on things, respect and trust. These can all be supported by a culture that is defined by the shared beliefs and values of an organization and its members that provide meaning and influence daily work life.

 

Each time action is taken. When positive outcomes occur, it reinforces culture, values and beliefs. Negative outcomes also confirm the culture when action is taken to fix said negative outcome.

 

Founders, leaders, departments, teams, geographies and occupations.

 

On the floor, in break rooms, in conference rooms, on Zoom and phone calls, strategic planning and process design, vendor and supplier interactions, community engagement and employee engagement.

 

The actions we take, or fail to take, through the behaviors we model and allow, and from the beliefs, known and unknown, we carry inside.

 

So, if we know that company culture is important because workers are more likely to be invested in work when their beliefs and values are consistent with their employers’, then adopting a culture that models your core values is imperative.

 

The Center is here to help you build and strengthen your culture to boost employee engagement and retention. Take advantage of the many classes we offer. Read more details here.

 

 

MEET OUR EXPERT: Mike Beels, Lean Program Manager
Mike Beels has served in the role of Lean Program Manager for the Lean Business Solutions Team at The Center for more than 16 years. Mike’s areas of expertise include Change Leadership, Workforce Engagement and Succession Planning, as well as the entire portfolio of Lean strategies and methodologies. He is a professional trainer and has the ability to command an audience and deliver the training message in a way that participants can understand in a clear, non-threatening manner. Mike always leaves trainees excited and ready to complete training transfer to the shop floor or office.