I came across the below article in the Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper on 1st March 2018 (written by Ron Rowe – Life Fellow of the NZ Institute of Management). It is one of the most impressive pieces of writing which focuses on the importance of the cultural development of organisations that I have come across to date.
The most important statement made in this article in my view is where Ron says “The cornerstones of culture are effective communications and social relationships.” Based on my own experience both leading organisations and teaching adult commerce students who have aspirations to fulfill management roles or own their own business, I believe that two further cornerstones should be added to this statement; being:
a) Collaboration – the willingness and predisposition of people within an organisation to work together to achieve common objectives.
b) Inclusivity – the willingness of organisation/ business owners (or leaders/ managers) to include their team in relevant planning/ decision-making.
This article is well worth sharing with your team and/ or the people who you report to. Most certainly the development of a healthy culture starts with the leaders of organisations…and most particularly their willingness to apply themselves to change their organisation’s culture for the better.
Article: Organisation Culture Development Editorial (1.3.2018 HB Today)