🔥🔥🔥 My Hot Take 🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely DISLIKE the phrase "Culture starts at the top."
I am a firm believer that culture does not have to start with owners or executives.
This phrase is used and said constantly.
But I often see it being used as an excuse.
It is used to finger point and blame leaders.
It also can breed negativity toward management.
Now, before everyone lambasts me, let me explain!
▶ I DO 100% believe that Top Leaders have the most responsibility when it comes to culture.
▶ I DO 100% believe the Top Leaders should model the desired values, behaviors, and attitudes.
▶ I DO 100% believe that the fastest way to erode culture is when the Top Leaders do not model the desired culture and when they do not hold others accountable.
But, I absolutely believe that culture does not have to start at the tip top of the organization.
You do not have to be an executive, director level, or manager to begin changing culture.
I firmly believe, and have witnessed numerous times throughout my professional journey, that anyone can change the culture. Especially frontline workers.
Most times, frontline workers know exactly what behaviors are needed to bring about a better culture. They usually know better than the top executives.
This is a reminder that you don’t have to be a top leader to show up with a good attitude, treat people with respect, be welcoming, be accountable to your own work, hold others accountable, show a personal interest in coworkers, be a good listener, etc. – All great signs of a good culture!
The behaviors you exude alone can change the culture, no matter your pecking order. It can start with you, or anyone!
Examples of culture not coming from the top are out there everywhere. This is why in large companies we can witness individual stores, branches, or departments exemplify good culture within their own 4 walls. Yet take a hop, skip, and jump over to others in the same organization and they have a terrible culture.
It happens all the time. Right?
The people who often make the most impact on culture is someone that exemplified good culture and gradually changed the culture over time. More than likely they worked their way up into leadership positions. And along the way, they helped change the culture.
It didn’t start at the top.
They didn’t do it from a position of power or authority.
They did it every single day, in whatever role they held at the time.
So do I believe that “Culture starts at the top.” ❓
No.
I believe every person in the organization has a responsibility for the culture.
Top Leaders just share the majority of the responsibility.
But anyone can begin changing or uphold good culture.
Week 36 of 52
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