What are you doing to create the culture you deserve?

I asked leaders at my company this rather pointed question recently, referencing something I wrote about more than two years ago – this battle between culture and strategy. My belief then – and now – is that strategy feeds our culture. (You can read the original post here.)

The dialogue was outstanding. I read and responded to more than 130 honest and thoughtful emails, hearing from folks I’ve known for a long time, and some I’d only recently met. One director challenged me to be more explicit about how to become the culture we deserve. In fact, the major theme in this feedback was that culture comes from within each one of us.

YOU are the culture.

Making sure your strategy drives your culture – and not the other way around – is a relevant message for any leader. It’s also a call to action for everyone in your organization to challenge traditional ways of thinking … to embrace change you’re seeking – whatever that may be.

To say you cannot act because of culture is saying you’re not willing to act. It is both a choice and a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Let’s face it, change is constant. You must embrace it for the opportunities it creates and get yourself aligned quickly. You should be agile solution-makers and problem-solvers. You must play a role in charting a course forward. And you absolutely can approach this work with gratitude, optimism and belief.

An article I read recently noted large companies may not be as well positioned to retain top talent as small businesses. Pay and benefits are certainly important for employees – and large companies enjoy advantages in this area. But don’t we also value flexibility and creativity? Isn’t it also important to know we make a difference and support a meaningful purpose? These may be just as – if not more – important as pay and benefits.

But why can’t we do both? Why can’t companies offer competitive pay and benefits, while also providing flexibility AND the opportunity for individuals to shine?

That is not just the culture you deserve. That is the culture you should demand.

Find time to discuss this concept with your teams and with other leaders. Become the culture you deserve – the culture you are!