CorpU

In a recent blog post, on the FastCompany website, entitled, “Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch” , blogger, Shawn Parr lays out a very poignant argument for the value of culture in an organization. The main concept portrayed is that, “Long-term success (of an organization) is dependent on a culture that is nurtured and alive. Culture is the environment in which your strategy and your brand thrives or dies a slow death.”

While every organizational culture is different there are certain characteristics that stand out in companies that are successfully navigating the current economic environment in which we find ourselves. These include…

Focus – Motivation – Connection – Cohesion – Spirit

While this is not a new or revolutionary idea, it is important to point out that successful organizations continually nuture and develop these traits in employees, regardless of the environmental factors that bombard it on a regular basis.  Parr states that, “It’s important to understand what is driving your (organization’s) culture. Is it power and ego that people react to, and try to gain power, or a culture of encouragement and empowerment? Is it driven from top-down directives, or cross-department collaboration?”

So while a solid strategy, and an ability to adapt, is essential for organizational success as well; the key question to ask is, “Can the organization implement the strategy when it is time?” If there is any doubt in answering this question with a YES, I would encourage you to examine and evaluate your culture. You just might be surprised, “how this often discounted as a touchy-feely component of business …” may impact your bottom-line.