This is a topic that is close to my heart and critical to any organisation's success: the interplay between culture and strategy.
In this episode, we explore the striking parallels between the football community and the business world. Just as a football team requires a clear vision and a well-defined strategy to clinch victory, so does any organisation aiming for success.
Strategy: The 'Why' Behind Every Goal We delve into the importance of strategy, not just as a buzzword, but as the compass that guides an organisation towards its vision. It's about defining the 'why' behind every action and ensuring that every move aligns with the overarching goals.
Culture: The 'How' of Your Team's Play But what about the 'how'? This is where culture comes into play, and I share insights on why "culture eats strategy for breakfast." It's the driving force that can either propel your strategy forward or hold it back.
The Investment Imbalance I've observed a curious trend: organisations often pour resources into crafting strategies but only sprinkle a little attention on culture. It's time to balance the scales and recognise that nurturing a strong culture is pivotal for delivering on your strategy.
The Operating Model: Your Team's Formation We also touch on the operating model – think of it as your team's formation on the field. Culture shapes this model, and it's essential to invest in a robust culture that supports your strategic objectives.
Values: Your Team's Heartbeat Values are the heartbeat of your organisation's culture. It's not just the leadership team's responsibility to set them; it's about involving every member of the staff in defining and living these values.
Empowerment: The Coach's Strategy I share practical steps on how to define and nurture your organisational culture, from conducting culture workshops to empowering managers to lead cultural transformation within their teams.
Useful links 🔗
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🎙️ Check out Inside Out Culture Podcast where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.
TIMESTAMPS
Strategy and Culture (00:00:56)
Explanation of the link between strategy and culture in organisations, emphasising the significance of both.
Investment in Strategy (00:02:11)
Comparison of the disproportionate amount of time and money invested in developing strategy versus culture in organisations.
Vision and Strategy (00:03:27)
Definition of vision and strategy, emphasising the importance of a clear vision to steer the strategy.
Reviewing Strategy (00:04:31)
Importance of regularly reviewing the strategy and priorities within the business, with the need for quarterly business reviews.
Operating Model and Structure (00:05:33)
Explanation of the operating model's role in defining the structure and responsibilities within an organisation, with a comparison to the football community's structure.
Defining Culture (00:07:42)
Importance of spending an equal amount of time developing the culture as the strategy, including the role of values in shaping the company's identity.
Involving Staff in Culture Definition (00:09:06)
The significance of involving staff in defining the culture to create a sense of ownership and belonging.
Investing in Culture (00:12:02)
The investment and returns of defining and enhancing the organisational culture, with examples of improved engagement and productivity.
Defining Culture Approaches (00:13:54)
Two approaches to defining culture: running culture workshops for each department or teaching managers to build great culture.
Culture and Strategy Delivery (00:15:42)
The importance of a clear, coherent pathway for employees to deliver the strategy, using the example of Manchester City's culture and success.
Building Great Culture (00:16:47)
The impact of involving employees in creating the culture, leading to increased engagement and care within the organisation.
