Changing the Culture of an Organization
Written by: Dr. Russ K. Decker
Bell
and Harari wrote a wonderful article providing six rules of engagement to
change organizational culture. It is called The New (beep, beep) rules of HRD:
Be a Road Runner, not a Wile E. Coyote. Through a fun story, this article
describes organizations either stagnant or cutting-edge and provides steps to
change organizational culture.
Do
you remember the Coyote? In this story, Wile E. Coyote is considered to rely on
others for instruction, never learn from mistakes, look back, and always be
grim. Contrastly, the Road Runner is keen, perceptive, proactive, clever, and
sharp.
Below
are 5 rules or approaches for successful teams and organizations:
Rule
#1 – Everyone is a full player
For
culture to change, it is paramount to have buy-in and acceptance from every
aspect of the organization (top/down). There are many consultants who provide
services to support company direction, energize and brainstorm ideas, create
enthusiasm, and set goals which provide new shifts and direction for the
organization. Everyone being a “full player” gives power to the mass and
engages in boundary-less practices. This approach provides flexibility and
adaptability for the future of the organization.
Rule
#2 – All boundaries are permeable
Getting
out-of-the-box mentality is critical for this rule. Human behavior is to have
rituals and routines. The Coyote looks back to see what the past served as the
Road Runner makes new rituals and boundaries based on external organizational
needs. What used-to-be mentality is not acceptable (in many cases) and for
organizations to prosper, they need to break free from their own hindrances.
Rule
#3 – Mastery in the magic
Magic
is a word used to take something from one level of expertise and move it to a
place that was never imagined. It is the highest order of organizational
collectivism with everyone exceeding personal goals and expectations. Being in
this mentality charges emotional growth, pride, and boldness to make cutting-edge
decisions.
In
this mentality, mastery is in the details which encourages and accelerates
learning, training, and maximizing efficiency.
Rule
#4 – All enterprise is virtual
In
the new technological world with internet access, an insurmountable amount of
information is at your fingertips at all times of the day. In this new age era,
organizations are easily able to find competitive prices, use multiple vendors,
and be more creative and resourceful in getting tasks accomplished. It is
important to remain current with technology if you are to be competitive and
cutting-edge.
Rule
#5 – Breakthrough is the road to prosperity
To
stay cutting-edge is to remain focused on the future and consistently in the
field of innovators who are creating opportunities and forward movement. This
ever changing road provides paths which creates new advances for the
organization.
Rule
#6 – The last word is laughter
For
an organization to prosper there must be enjoyment, laughter, enthusiasm, and
fun in the workplace. Workers who live with joy remain fresh and energized. The
article states that “laughter is the prescription for disease.”
These rules are stepping stones for successful business to occur. It is essential for organizations to understand these concepts and incorporate the rules into the next stage of best practice ideals. This is a wonderful and exciting way to change culture in an organization.