The importance of culture in leadership

Let’s talk culture!

It's a big deal for anyone who wants to lead effectively and create a thriving environment.

Culture isn’t just a fancy term we throw around; it’s the glue that holds a team together, made up of shared values, beliefs, and behaviours. Think of it as the bedrock of effective leadership.

Here at the Leadership Community, we talk about the three C's of Leadership—character, competence, and culture—and culture is the one that truly sets the stage for everything else to flourish.

When it comes to inspiring and motivating a team, culture plays a massive role.

It sets the emotional tone and gives everyone a shared purpose, which is crucial for building strong connections within the group. A positive culture promotes trust and collaboration, making it easier for leaders to communicate, make decisions, and rally their teams around common goals.

As Patrick Lencioni puts it, “The best teams don’t just work together; they actually enjoy working together.” That’s the kind of culture you want to build!

So, how can leaders create the right kind of culture?

Communication is key.

Be clear about the core values of your organisation and consistently remind everyone what you’re all about.

Model the behaviour you want to see.

When leaders walk the talk, it shows they’re genuinely committed to the culture.

ask for feedback.

Let team members take part in decision-making.

When people feel heard, they’re more likely to take ownership of the culture.

Of course, building the right culture comes with its challenges. You might run into resistance to change, especially if you’re trying to implement new cultural initiatives.

Misalignment between what you say and what happens can lead to confusion and distrust. Simon Sinek reminds us that “customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” This means it’s crucial to listen actively to your team, creating a space for open and honest conversations so everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.

Make small, incremental changes.

Celebrate those little wins!

Recognising and rewarding behaviours that align with your desired culture reinforces those values and encourages everyone to get on board.

In summary, prioritising a positive culture isn’t just nice to have; it’s a game-changer for effective leadership.

By understanding how culture intertwines with character and competence, you can, as the leader, create an environment that inspires and empowers your teams, ultimately steering the organisation toward greater success.

Remember, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” as Peter Drucker famously said, so let’s make sure it’s the kind of culture that fuels our success!