Values Persist; Culture Evolves
CEOs know that values alignment within their leadership is the only path to sustained success.
We've helped hundreds of businesses and organizations evolve, as "change management" has become an important, contemporary skill for leaders. The pace of change will continue to increase.
So many times, we hear phrases such as, "We need to preserve our culture as we grow."
That's an unrealistic and unproductive goal.
To preserve a culture means to place it in an airtight container and eliminate all future evolution and changes.
Simply consider an organization that had 25 employees. Now it’s grown to 100. Or 1,000. How can the culture possibly stay precisely the same? The team no longer all fits in the company lunchroom. The CEO doesn't know everyone on their team, much less their spouses, desires and fears.
One of the keys to sustainability in business is a derivation of the serenity prayer: Know what is etched in stone (values) that should not change, and how we do it (culture) that constantly evolves.
Values persist; culture evolves.
Our core values are Integrity, Excellence, Enthusiasm and Fun. Those are etched deeply within us.
Facilitating Excellence
CEOs know that values alignment within their leadership is the only path to sustained success. So how do you ensure your team is on the same page as you move forward?
I'm often asked to facilitate planning sessions to help our clients evolve their culture while they maintain their values. Change is the only constant in today's world.
Essentially, we help clients determine how to best move forward while maintaining their values.
Our proven facilitation planning process helps to ensure everyone's voice is heard, and the chorus is always stronger than any solo performer. (Please read this post to learn if you and your team would benefit from our facilitation process.)
None of us is as smart as all of us
As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
I help leadership teams gather together to enhance focus, overcome obstacles, find common ground, choose between opportunities from interruptions, and learn how to pull everyone together.
One technique is how we incorporate the best thinking from all participants BEFORE the facilitated session. Their input helps shape both the agenda and the specific topics. Eric has facilitated sessions with dozens of leadership teams on how to develop their operations, culture and focus while maintaining their values.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine! Learning how to understand, embrace and advocate for change is a key management skill everyone needs today. One thing we know for certain: the pace and impact of change will continue to increase.
Live your values. Evolve your culture. And you'll win long-term.
Onward.