CultureWise

In the latest Culture Architects podcast episode, David J. Friedman had an inspiring conversation with Crystal Hanlon, Senior VP & Culture Officer at Home Depot, about what it takes to build and sustain a powerful culture across 475,000 employees. From humble beginnings as a cashier to leading culture initiatives at one of the world’s largest companies, Crystal shared: 🔸 The power of connection and how it drives performance. 🔸 Rituals that keep Home Depot’s values alive every day. 🔸 The importance of adapting culture to connect across generations. Want to know how they do it at scale? Check out our latest blog post to dive deeper into Crystal’s insights on creating a scalable, people-first culture that drives success. #CultureArchitects #Leadership #CompanyCulture #TeamBuilding #EmployeeEngagement #RetailLeadership #CultureWise

When customers, employees, or patients share personal information, they expect it to be safeguarded. However, securing this data goes beyond advanced IT solutions—it requires a deep-rooted culture of confidentiality and integrity. At CultureWise, we believe that trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. As our CEO David J. Friedman emphasizes in Culture by Design, acting with integrity must be consistently taught, modeled, and reinforced. By fostering a workplace where confidentiality is paramount, and unethical behavior is not tolerated, companies can protect their most valuable asset: trust. Leaders play a critical role in shaping this culture. When managers lead by example, uphold stringent controls, and maintain clear policies, they empower their teams to handle confidential information with the utmost care. It’s not just about following the rules—it’s about embodying a commitment to doing the right thing, every time. Let’s strive to create environments where trust and integrity are non-negotiable, ensuring that our organizations remain safe, respected, and successful. Read more in our latest blog below👇 #companyculture #confidentiality #integrity #leadership

Some old-school bosses might see “servant leader” as an oxymoron, but research shows it leads to greater success. By empowering others, servant leaders build resilient, engaged, and productive teams. Introduced by Robert Greenleaf in the 1970s, servant leadership prioritizes employees' needs and aspirations, fostering sustainable success. It emphasizes communication, compassion, collaboration, accountability, and respect. Successful servant leaders: -Give others a voice -Seek feedback -Credit their teams -Are authentic and curious -Build trust and safety Studies show that servant-led companies outperform their counterparts with higher innovation and returns on assets. Many top companies attribute their success to servant leadership. As Matt Tenney states, “The benefits of servant leadership are higher levels of trust, a positive work environment, improved collaboration, and sustainable growth.” Servant leaders achieve business success while creating a fulfilling and meaningful work environment. Read more about the power of servant leadership in our latest blog below👇 #leadership #companyculture #employeeengagement

Ever notice how idioms pepper our conversations? From "going the extra mile" to "in the weeds," these sayings reflect the very essence of our work culture. But how do they shape our everyday interactions and overall company environment? At CultureWise, we believe in harnessing the power of language to create a positive, productive workplace. Here’s how specific language and idioms can influence work culture: 1️⃣ Reflecting High Performance: Phrases like "hitting the ball out of the park" celebrate achievement and set a standard for excellence. 2️⃣ Identifying Challenges: Terms such as "perfect storm" and "pass the buck" highlight areas needing attention and improvement. Idioms aren't just an American phenomenon. They resonate globally, offering universal wisdom: -Polish: "What does gingerbread have to do with a windmill?" (Unrelated tasks) -German: "Now it is about the sausage!" (Time is of the essence) -Chinese: "Nine cows, one hair." (A drop in the bucket) How can idioms reflect and shape culture? 1️⃣ Encouraging Open Communication: “The person who asks questions will not stray away from the path.” This Finnish idiom emphasizes the importance of questioning and transparency. 2️⃣ Promoting Efficiency: “A crazy person does a lot of work; a smart person gets away with less.” Reflects the value of working smart over working hard. 3️⃣ Addressing Issues Head-On: “Put the cat on the table.” Encourages addressing the elephant in the room. 4️⃣ Preventing Procrastination: “Whatever you leave behind, you will find in front of you.” Stresses the importance of tackling tasks promptly. 5️⃣ Forward Planning: “Going toward the tree with your back first.” Highlights the necessity of looking ahead and planning. While idioms can enhance communication, overuse of industry-specific jargon can alienate and create barriers. Leaders should foster a common language that aligns with company values and promotes inclusivity and clarity. By being mindful of our language, we can steer our company culture toward greater connectivity, productivity, and success. Discover more in tips in our latest blog on the power of specific language in shaping work culture. #companyculture #effectivecommunication #leadership

We've all experienced those informal post-meeting chats. While they can clarify and brainstorm, they can also be breeding grounds for dissent and negativity. So, how can leaders ensure these discussions stay productive? Here are some insights from our latest blog: 1️⃣ Choreograph Meetings Thoughtfully: Plan meetings like a dance routine. Define the purpose, invite relevant participants, and decide on in-person or virtual format. 2️⃣ Communicate Change Effectively: When announcing changes, explain the decision-making process, why alternatives were ruled out, and how it aligns with the company’s mission. 3️⃣ Make Connections Between Groups: Share background info beforehand, acknowledge diverse perspectives, and encourage participation during the meeting to foster collaboration. 4️⃣ Temper Emotions and Concerns: Allow employees to voice concerns during the meeting, and avoid personalizing issues to prevent resentment. 5️⃣ Advocate for Pushback: Welcome pushback and be prepared to negotiate. This shows respect and values employees’ opinions, reducing the need for negative post-meeting discussions. Building a positive company culture is key. Create an environment where employees feel safe speaking up and respected. This will ensure that even post-meeting conversations drive success. Read more in our latest blog below 👇 #leadership #companyculture #fffectivemeetings #employeeengagement

Promotions are more than just a step up the ladder; they're a pivotal moment in an employee's career. However, a surprising 29% of employees quit within a month after their first promotion. Why? The lack of support, meaningful work, and appropriate compensation often leads to disillusionment. To turn promotions into a positive experience and retain top talent, here’s how we suggests building a supportive promotion culture: 1️⃣ Align with Aspirations: Ensure promotions resonate with employees’ personal and professional goals. 2️⃣ Provide Meaningful Work: Reevaluate responsibilities to allow for new, impactful tasks. 3️⃣ Offer Mentorship: Partner new promotees with experienced mentors for guidance and growth. 4️⃣ Ensure Fair Compensation: Recognize the increased workload with appropriate pay. 5️⃣ Support and Train: Provide training and resources during the critical first three months. 6️⃣ Validate and Include: Involve new managers in decision-making and strategy sessions to show trust and value in their contributions. By integrating these practices, we create a culture that not only promotes employees but also supports their journey, ensuring long-term success and satisfaction. Read more on our latest blog below to discover how to transform promotions into a powerful tool for growth and retention. #careergrowth #companyculture #employeeretention

This was a great episode with some truly fantastic business leaders who are passionate about company culture. You can listen to the full episode anywhere you listen to podcasts or by clicking the link David put in the comments section of his post 🔽

Workplace bullying can often be subtle yet profoundly damaging, affecting employee morale, engagement, and overall organizational success. While extreme cases are unlawful, low-key harassment can still wreak havoc. At CultureWise, we believe in proactively fostering a culture that rejects all forms of bullying. Here are steps to create a bully-proof environment: 1️⃣ Clearly Define Expected Behaviors: Outline the behaviors that align with your company’s values. 2️⃣ Hire for Cultural Fit: Ensure new hires share the values and behaviors you prioritize. 3️⃣ Create Behavioral Rituals: Develop rituals that reinforce desired behaviors. 4️⃣ Communicate Consistently: Keep behavioral standards top of mind through constant communication. 5️⃣ Provide Regular Feedback: Use coaching sessions to reinforce cultural standards. 6️⃣ Mentor Problem Employees: Address negative behaviors through one-on-one guidance. 7️⃣ Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behaviors you expect from others. 8️⃣ Anchor Accountability: Hold everyone accountable for their conduct and performance. By embedding these practices, you not only prevent bullying but also cultivate a respectful, high-performing workplace. Remember, the cost of ignoring bullying is too high. Let’s create a safe, supportive environment for everyone. Read more about our approach to tackling workplace bullying in our latest blog post below. #workplaceculture #employeeengagement #leadership

We've all seen it: companies making grand statements about their values but failing to follow through with action. This phenomenon, known as virtue signaling, can significantly damage a company's reputation and bottom line. As Ron Jabal, CEO of the PAGEONE Group, aptly puts it, "Genuine commitment to values requires more than rhetoric — it demands tangible, sustained efforts." Virtue signaling often results in a disconnect between what companies claim and how they operate, leading to lost trust and revenue. Leaders with the best intentions can inadvertently create cultures that prioritize optics over substance. How to Avoid Virtue Signaling: - Align Words with Actions: Ensure that your company's practices reflect its stated values. - Develop Systems: Create mechanisms to activate and uphold core values consistently. - Focus on Behaviors: Define and coach specific behaviors that embody your company's values. By genuinely living up to your company's core values, you can build trust, loyalty, and a reputation for authenticity. Remember, it's not about what you say, but what you do that counts. #leadership #businessethics #companyculture