Why Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast?

Culture in an organization refers to the shared values, beliefs, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or organization. It is the collective personality of an organization, and it shapes the way that people within the organization interact and make decisions. Culture is often described as the “glue” that holds an organization together and gives it a sense of identity and purpose.

The role of culture in building a sustainable business is critical. A positive and strong culture can lead to increased employee engagement and productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and higher levels of innovation. In contrast, a negative or weak culture can lead to high turnover, low morale, and poor performance.

One example of a company with a strong culture is Patagonia. The outdoor clothing and gear company is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This commitment is reflected in its culture, with employees who are passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact on society. This culture has helped Patagonia to build a loyal customer base and a reputation as a responsible and ethical company.

Another example is the company, Zappos, which is known for its strong culture of customer service and employee empowerment. Zappos has implemented a unique culture book and has a strong emphasis on employee empowerment and autonomy. This culture has helped the company to build a loyal customer base and a reputation as a leader in customer service.

So, what should CEOs do to build a culture? According to the Harvard Business Review, there are several key steps that CEOs can take to build a strong and positive culture:

1. Clearly define the company’s values and mission.
2. Communicate these values and mission to all employees and ensure that they are integrated into the company’s practices and policies.
3. Hire employees who align with the company’s values and mission.
4. Create a system of rewards and recognition that reinforces the company’s values and mission.
5. Lead by example, embodying the company’s values and mission in your own actions and decisions.

In conclusion, culture is a critical component of building a sustainable business. A positive and strong culture can lead to increased employee engagement and productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and higher levels of innovation. CEOs play an important role in building culture by defining the company’s values and mission, communicating them to all employees, and leading by example.

References:

• Harvard Business Review, “Why Culture is the Hottest Topic in Business” by Jay W. Lorsch, https://hbr.org/2013/05/why-culture-is-the-hottest-topic
• “The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups” by Daniel Coyle
• “The Power of Company Culture” by Nicola Morris
• “Leading with Cultural Intelligence” by David Livermore