Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”.
As an experienced business strategist, it pains me a little to have to agree!
People have to be given the room to spread their wings and grow into good habits at work. Even the most demanding industries would benefit from allowing their teams the space to exercise professional respect and show each other some love. The cost of slightly slower short-term progress would be more than compensated for by the increased productivity long-term from loving where you work.
Love is damn good business, to quote one of my Work Alchemy podcast guests. Driving to an outcome while undermining people and relationships works against you, your goals, and your impact.
People work best when they are appreciated. They extend themselves. They push for greater achievement. They contribute more. They are more accommodating and willing to step up when asked to do more.
People who are under the cloud of a negative work culture carry fear of criticism. The fear diminishes their ability to perform well, be innovative, and contribute to the best of their ability. This ultimately serves no one, including your company. Those who have the confidence will move on, to find a company that appreciates what they have to contribute.
Cultural norms have to be sincerely lived out. They can’t be faked. Bullying disguised as kindness, something I observed recently, won’t work. People can tell when you sincerely want the best for them. And when they feel that love, you’ll get it in return for your business.
So don’t let your culture cannibalize your strategy. Instead, set yourself the goal to lead the evolution of a love-filled culture in your company, so that you can have the impact that you know you can have and do the good that you can do.
Love,
