Last week brought me into many difficult conversations-more than the typical amount associated with the organizational work I do. The workplace is a fast-paced landscape within a tumultuous world. My approach…SENSITIVITY. Demonstrating and encouraging the right level of sensitivity is a theme I lace throughout my discussions. Individuals feel attacked, and individuals attack, more than ever. As leaders within this reality, it is our responsibility to lead with a different model of sensitivity—one that is less intense on the receiving end coupled with one that is heightened when delivering our words. We are living in challenging times. We are communicating “the difficult” more often than not. Let’s commit to a calibrated level of sensitivity, for everyone’s benefit! I wish you a peace-filled week!
Choose Culture
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- Culture ties people to what matters.
I pass this sign each morning when driving my daughter to school. We are fortunate to ride through the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community observing the changing seasons as displayed by the various stages of crops outside our fast-paced car windows. While our speed is always up to the limit, the serene beauty and gentle growth of the surroundings is not lost on me.
Also growing in this land is a call to remember. Signs like this one are popping up with thought-provoking words of inspiration around these streets. I consider them Wisdom Wishes. While I Love them all, “Choose Culture” is my favorite. It is central to my work.
Speaking about culture and architecting cultural nuances in diverse companies around the world is a privilege and passion for me. While there are many reasons I derive meaning from my efforts, the greatest is that culture always ties people to the core. And for me, the core is where truth lives.
I see this sign’s attempt to guide a passerby to the core of what matters, and consequently, the truth. I also see duality in the concept of “Choose Culture” as presented here.
First, it speaks to the basic idea that culture is established by contemplating, shaping, and then living it. This requires thinking and feeling and doing and then, repeating these actions until culture is firmly planted. It is a form of creation that requires commitment and work. Culture is chosen through real work, and the best companies know this. The best companies base their employee experience and client relationships on strong, authentic, chosen cultures.
The other aspect of “Choose Culture” is the assumption that culture is already established but requires revitalization. Digging deep and stirring the roots of a person, community, or organization is recommitting and putting these values first. This is another way to choose culture, and it happens when the traditions of people and organizations prevail.
I know my clients are amused and not even slightly surprised that I would stubble onto this sign surrounded by fields that yield green growth and fruitful crops. It is so fitting of my work and beliefs.
My dear clients, I am grateful to share the call to CHOOSE CULTURE and not just let things roll along (or not) without our intentional stamp. I am grateful to work with leaders and companies who not only know the power of clear, unified culture and exemplify this sign, but who recognize the competitive and happiness advantage this guarantees.
Thank you, Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community, for this simple display of wisdom. I hear you. I wish you peace and great success with your campaign.
May your Wisdom Wishes come true!
A Call for a More Human Workplace
I am bursting with positivity! I spent the last three days at Workhuman 2017 (pioneered by @globoforce) gleaning wisdom, meeting kindred spirits, and validating the relevancy of my work. I was fortunate to hear thoughts from Michelle Obama, Steve Pemberton, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, Shawn Achor, Michelle Gielan, and Josh Bersin among many other impressive experts. Just like when I attended last year, “Wide-eyed and Wow!ed” was my general disposition over the last 72 hours.
I love consulting in the HR, leadership, and people arenas. I have honed my craft for more than two decades, always leaving room for reinvention and continuous learning. I am so proud that the leading-edge messages presented @workhuman are aligned with how I lead through Connective Living and how I encourage my clients to do the same.
To my treasured clients: I am excited to connect all my new discoveries with you and your organization.
To my potential clients: Please reach out. I am eager to share my people insights, philosophies, and work that have been validated at this premier HR…human…conference.
The time is now for more human connection in the workplace! It’s time for Connective Living!