Culture is Strategy
Many of us have heard the quote attributed to Peter Drucker: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” I first heard it while working in an organization and thought, “That’s a catchy phrase—but how does it apply here?”
As it turned out, not very well.
The organization highly valued strategy as they had made a significant investment in a new strategic plan. They said they valued culture, too. But behaviors told a different story. For example, there was a known workplace bully. Her behavior went unchecked because she delivered individual results, at the expense of others. Leaders looked the other way.
I quizzically asked, “When was the last time she had a performance evaluation?”
The leader replied sheepishly, “Well, we ask for work goals each year, but…” The sentence trailed off.
Here’s the thing: individual results matter, but culture matters more. Many team members left the organization—including me—because the culture tolerated bullying.
When leaders focus only on results, they often miss the hidden costs of toxic behavior. “But he/she brings in a lot of revenue,” they say. What about the cost of turnover, lost trust, and disengagement when others leave an unhealthy environment?
Catchy phrases and mission statements can give people something to believe in. But, when they are not backed by action, they become empty words. And nothing works.
Recently, I read an article by Dr. Patricia Fletcher titled “It’s Not ‘Culture Versus Strategy Anymore’; Culture is Strategy” (Forbes.com, 2021). She flipped Drucker’s quote on its head. Culture and strategy aren’t just linked. They are the same. Inseparable. Equally important.
In my next blog, I’ll share more about what culture looks like in practice. It requires intention, ownership, and high ethical standards.
So, what does culture look like in your organization? Need help addressing issues in yours? Let’s talk.
Fly high,
Barbara
Want to know more? Connect with me at CaptainBarbaraBell.com and of course check out my book, Flight Lessons: Navigating Through Life’s Turbulence and Learning to Fly High. #coaching, #culture, #strategy,#ethicalleadership, #leadership, #veterans
