Alan’s corner: How culture effectively defines an organisation

Alan’s corner: How culture effectively defines an organisation

During a recent leadership workshop, I asked the question: “What is the main driver of success for an organisation?” You can imagine the range of answers I got. “It’s about having an amazing product that is different,” said one. Another offered: “It’s all about having great people”. While others gave answers such as “great service”, “lowest prices”, “clever marketing”, I simply nodded in agreement, supporting every answer. The reality is that all of these answers are perfectly correct in varying proportions, depending on where the organisation is in its evolution. It also depends on the competitive environment, the market and changing customer dynamics. But what is it that binds all of these concepts together and ensures they are executed effectively? I believe the common denominator that determines the success or failure for any organisation, is its culture. Vision and mission describe ‘why’ an organisation exists. Strategy outlines ‘what’ should be done and ‘when’. Structure details ‘who’ will do what. But it’s the culture that shapes ‘how’ things will get done. Management guru Peter Drucker was credited with saying: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. In corporate language, culture is often defined as ‘the way we do things around here’. It’s possible