Keeping Away the Vultures

Ever worked in a team where it is 'every man for himself'?

Is your workplace soaring or a toxic cesspool?

Is it "all talk, no action"?”

In the desert you can tell when something has died by the circling vultures above. They lazily circle around, fly down and then fight over whatever did remains they have found. Some organisations can feel like this.

Clarity equals action; action creates movement; and a body in motion stays in motion. All of these sayings go on to highlight the importance for an organisation to be clear and to live by the values that it states. The values give clarity and the clarity creates an ongoing momentum towards a clearly stated vision. This gives a very healthy culture.

In an attempt to be healthy, some organisations create a list of their values but don’t take time to get it right, and to then live by these. There is great danger in launching into creating a culture in a  "half-hearted" manner and not following through once an organisation has clarified what its values and vision are. Wallpaper values (see previous blog) create half baked culture that is doomed to die. This becomes visually evident when there are vultures circling. Each in it for themselves.

When there is clarity and an alignment with a company’s purpose, individual team members are more inclined to bring their best. In creating the right culture in your organisation, ensure that you live by your values, and that there is a healthy respect and expectation for the team to do the same. A values-driven culture can unite a team and create healthy organisations. Have a look at your team, and ensure there is clarity and consistency across the entire organisation including the people, purpose, processes, organisation and structures.

Here’s to your success!