Seven elements of a healthy organizational culture
🏢 How many does your work culture have? + 🎵 Curious George by Jack Johnson
This week we focus on organizational culture and include a fun music embed at the end. If you’re not yet a subscriber or supporter, you can become one here:
There’s power in speaking your truth.
It can rally people.
You can be historically correct.
And it can serve as an anchor, and a reminder of what’s important.
Some years and a few offices ago, I wrote this on a whiteboard one afternoon:
I no longer recall exactly what happened that specific day, but I remember the feeling. I was frustrated. I was demoralized. I believed better was possible.
While some would go negative (and, let’s be honest, complaining can feel good in the moment), I leaned into what I thought was needed. I remember pacing my office, sitting on the edge of my desk deep in thought, and jumping up and adding to this list whenever another element crystalized. I ran out of space (and insights) after seven bullets.
Reviewing this list now years later, I’m struck by what I came up with that afternoon and still believe each of these elements are important:
Culture of learning
Curiosity
Passion
Empowerment
Doing what’s right
Being engaged
Mission/purpose
There may be others. If you have a contribution, please share.
When I was in college, I had the opportunity to do some research in organizational culture. I didn’t know then what a through line that would become in my life and professional career.
I don’t have all the answers but it’s exciting to have the opportunity to help cultivate organizational culture. And I believe it’s important work worth doing.
Be curious.
Doing the right thing is always the right thing.
Empower people. Autonomy is the biggest contributor to happiness.
Show up. Be engaged.
Keep growing. Share what you learn and encourage others to do the same.
Connect with your passion.
If the mission isn’t clear, clarify it. If it doesn’t resonate, find a new mission.
If you’d like to discuss your work culture and how to improve it, please join us in the subscriber chat this week.
🎵Curious George by Jack Johnson
On the theme of curiosity, this week’s media embed is the soundtrack of a film I’ve never seen about a character I remember fondly from my childhood (Curious George) by an artist whose vibe I like (Jack Johnson). If you enjoy mellow singer/songwriter guitar tunes, press play.
Here are my favorite tracks on this album (which came out in 2005 or 2006):
Broken
People Watching
Talk Of The Town
My Own Two Hands
I hope you enjoy.
Nobody ever told me not to try
Not to try
Always try
Always try
-lyrics from Talk Of the Town by Jack Johnson
Wherever this finds you, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Be well,
-Bryce
Excellent list which encapsulates a healthy environment.
I have 2 pt jobs and am excited to get to each every week. I'm so blessed to be working in my passions and wheelhouse. It's gratifying and invigorating. I wish that more could say the same.
Happy to answer this great question. With job #1, teaching, I always knew...so did everyone else around me from the time I was 4. My mom and numerous teachers saw me exhibiting qualities that I still use today in the classroom. I never wavered in my beeline to teach. Thankful for complete surety. I realize how special that is. With job #2, I prayed feverishly for it for 5 years, not knowing what it was, only that God would use my gifts. I began volunteering at church and quickly was offered a position, then, after observing me they realized I was the ideal person for a position they hoped to someday have if only the right person would come along. There I was. It's perfectly in my wheelhouse, I feel so 'me'...and thankful. It's only 12 hours a week but it's very fulfilling and I get to help people by listening, caring, remembering, connecting and welcoming. What a privilege.
Important to note. In my role at church, I couldn't have done it had I not first the life experience of getting knocked about, flattened, hurt and then doing hard work in therapy. A more gracious person came out the other side and people know they can trust me with their stories and I'm honored to hold them. I genuinely love meeting new people and happily approach anyone with a "HI! I haven't met you yet."
I'm so blessed and hope others experience the same joy at their workplace.