In this exciting addition to the conference in 2015, each of our client speakers returned to answer questions and discuss their Culture and Leadership insights. Watch Dr. Robert Cooke, CEO of Human Synergistics International, Leona Murphy, Chief Strategy Officer at IAG, Cormac Barry, CEO of Sportsbet, and Tony Lowings, Managing Director of Yum! Brands discuss Culture with facilitator Shaun McCarthy.
Key Themes Discussed:
Leadership and Cultural Development:
Panelists emphasized leadership’s role in driving cultural change, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, transparency, and commitment from senior management.
Leaders must model desired behaviors and prioritize cultural development over day-to-day business demands.
Overcoming Obstacles to Cultural Change:
Resistance to change often stems from existing organizational norms. Effective strategies include meeting employees where they are, fostering empathy, and ensuring voluntary participation in cultural assessments.
Cascading Cultural Messages:
Strategies to disseminate cultural change include storytelling, distributed leadership, and involving employees at all levels in shaping initiatives.
Repetition and diverse communication methods are key to reinforcing cultural values.
Sustaining Cultural Change:
Cultural adaptation is ongoing, driven by external factors like technology and customer expectations.
Sustaining momentum involves continuous innovation, showcasing the impact of culture on employees’ lives, and leveraging initiatives to keep engagement high.
Motivating Casual Employees:
Providing purpose, skills training, and creating inclusive, flexible environments help motivate and retain younger, casual workers.
Impact of Cultural Work:
A strong culture enhances engagement, collaboration, productivity, and business outcomes. Panelists stressed its role in aligning individual and organizational goals.
Notable Quotes:
“Change is hard, exciting, and scary—but it’s rewarding when achieved.”
“Burning ambition can drive transformation, even in the absence of a burning platform.”
“Culture is everything—it drives all outcomes within an organization.”
This discussion highlights the nuanced approaches and leadership qualities needed to foster sustainable cultural improvements in organizations. Would you like a more detailed analysis or focus on specific themes?
