Ron, Deb and Eric McDermott
Culture, Eric states, is the social agreement on how individuals within an organization choose to interact with one another. This agreement can manifest in numerous ways, from the formality of interactions to the mood within the workplace. But, he notes, what truly stands at the heart of culture is the collective decisions made about these interactions. "It's not about not being afraid," McDermott muses, reflecting on the collective journey teams undergo, "It's about recognizing that you can be afraid with others who are also afraid because everybody's afraid."
Changing an organizational culture, especially with the same team members, is a sizeable challenge. Eric suggests a dialogue-focused approach where inventorying individual perceptions and experiences becomes crucial. This inventory process pivots on asking the right questions: What isn't working? What values are most cherished? What new practices can be introduced to embody these values in the current cultural landscape, especially in the context of the work-from-home paradigm shift?
He highlights the importance of safe failure environments for successful culture change, introducing an innovative concept called "Fail Smart." This concept essentially creates a framework for learning through failure, an indispensable part of trying new practices and ultimately shaping the culture.
Eric delineates the leader's role in cultural transformation as a delicate balance between guiding and allowing for collective input. Leadership, according to him, involves being receptive to the team's perspectives, making informed decisions, and sometimes, making firm declarations about the new cultural path. However, it's the leader's responsibility to ensure these declarations resonate with the team's collective vision and values, facilitating a sustainable cultural transformation.
Eric, Ron, and Deb share their personal moments of reckoning, where they've had to confront and adapt to changes within themselves and their environments. Deb finds resonance in the book Everyone is Afraid, noting its message on facing fears collectively. Similarly, Ron mentions his engagement with the book "Life Worth Living," emphasizing the transformative power of reevaluating one's life and choices.
The conversation with Eric McDermott on "The Story in Your Head" podcast sheds light on the intricate dynamics of organizational culture. It underscores the reality that culture is not static; it evolves with the collective actions and decisions of its members. Leaders play a pivotal role in steering this evolution, but the essence of successful culture change lies in inclusive dialogue, collective responsibility, and the courage to embrace and learn from failures. As organizations navigate the complexities of today's world, these insights from McDermott offer valuable guidance on nurturing a culture that aligns with shared values and objectives, fostering a resilient and vibrant organizational environment.
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