Join us in this insightful episode of @TheScienceofLeadership, as Tom Collins and Alex Cho, President of Personal Systems at Hewlett Packard, delve deep into the critical role that organizational culture plays in effective leadership and overall business success.

They go beyond simply acknowledging the importance of culture, exploring how it influences not only the goals that a company achieves but also the methods and processes used to achieve them. This impact extends to all facets of a business, from fostering a spirit of innovation to cultivating a highly engaged workforce.

Drawing upon the rich legacy of the renowned HP Way and incorporating insights from the work of Edgar Schein, a leading scholar in organizational culture, Alex provides actionable advice on how leaders can actively shape and mold culture through their behaviors and decisions. He emphasizes that leaders must go beyond merely setting goals; they must create an environment that empowers and enables teams to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership and Enablement: Effective leaders don't just dictate; they create the conditions that allow teams to excel and innovate. This involves providing the necessary resources, support, and autonomy.
• Culture as a Cornerstone: Organizational culture isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental driver of employee engagement, innovation, and overall business performance. It's the underlying fabric that connects and motivates individuals.
• Leading by Example: Leaders must set the tone for the organization through their actions. They should exemplify the values and behaviors they want to see in their employees, demonstrating what gets accomplished, how it's achieved, and why it matters.
• Shared Values and Assumptions: Successful teams are built on a foundation of shared values and assumptions. These shared beliefs create a sense of unity and purpose, guiding decision-making and behavior.
• Practical Steps to Cultivate Culture: Building a strong culture requires intentional effort. Cho suggests practical steps such as codifying values, creating dedicated time for engagement and team building, and fostering authentic connections among employees.

By understanding the profound impact of organizational culture and taking proactive steps to shape it, leaders can create a high-performing organization that is poised for sustainable success.

References

Brown, A. (1992). Organizational culture: The key to effective leadership and organizational development. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 13(2), 3–6.

Gerstner, L. V., Jr. (2002). Who says elephants can’t dance?: Inside IBM’s historic turnaround. New York: HarperCollins, p. 182

Harter, J. K., Tatel, C. E., Agrawal, S., Blue, A., Plowman, S. K., Asplund, J., Yu, S. & Kemp, A. (2024). The Relationship Between Engagement at Work and Organizational Outcomes: Q12 Meta-Analysis: 11th Edition. Gallup.

Schein, E. H. (1990). Organizational culture. American Psychologist, 45(2), 109–119.

Schein, E. H. (1992). Organizational Culture and Leadership (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Warrick, D. D. (2017). What leaders need to know about organizational culture. Business Horizons, 60(3), 395–404.