“Culture is like air. It exists and sometimes you notice it most when it stinks.”

As leaders we are constantly monitoring this thing called “culture”. We are the ADVANCERS of the positive aspects we are building and the DEFENDERS of the negative aspects that want to fight into our environments. 

Sometimes this allows the leader to be in a relaxed posture, but many times it, requires a full court press from the leader to ensure that their culture is not being tainted. 

A strategic way of defining your culture – is defining your core values. 

Mission = Where We’re Headed

Vision = How We’re Getting There

Values = The Tangible Things We and Our Clients Feel When They Interact With Us.

Examples: 

1.)  Chick-Fil-A

Value: “To show Honor”

2.)  Nike

Value: “Performance and Innovation” 

3.)  Zappos

Value: “Create Fun and A Little Weirdness”

If I asked you, “What comes to mind when you think of your interactions with the companies above?” Your experiences probably came from the VALUES they are building. 

Below is an example of four filters a team used in ensuring their culture was growing and thriving. Perhaps they could help you as well.  We called them “Filters For Your Decisions”: 

1.)   IF ONE WINS, WE ALL WIN.

What we are a part of is more important than the individual roles we play. We say “we” and have active ownership and buy in. We are STRONG. We contribute; we don’t just consume. We know the value of being stewards of what we’ve been given, and we add positively to our teams. We are playing a TEAM sport - When one person wins, we all win. 

2.)  WE EAT THE MEAT & LEAVE THE BONES. 

We are learners and are constantly studying and researching best practices both inside and outside of our team. We are self-feeders. We can take what works for us and leave what wouldn’t work for us. This allows us to have a wide open pool of influences.

3.)  WHEN THE MOMENT IS RIGHT, WE’RE ALL IN. 

We’re strategic in our thinking, are adaptable, and are ready to take the leap into the unknown when the timing is right. We are risk takers! We walk out every decision we make with integrity and humility. We seize the moment and will charge forward!

4.)  WE DO THE BEST WITH WHAT WE HAVE. 

We feel the call to be excellent in everything we do, and we’re prepared to work hard and set that standard. We don’t see limitations; only challenges ready to be conquered. Our work is excellent, and so is our environment. There is perseverance and grit inside of us that doesn’t allow us to give up in what has been put in front of us to do.

Perhaps these four filters can be used as sparks in creating your core values... The same core values that are affecting your culture… The same culture that is affecting your team and your clients… The same clients that are affecting your impact. 

We love helping leaders and their teams ensure all of these things are healthy and having the best impact possible. Let us know how we can help. 

David Goochee

David is the co-founder and managing partner of Redwoods Leadership Group - a boutique training and development company specializing in growing healthy leaders and teams that last.