Season 8 Episode 29: Organizational Culture Audit: what’s your temperature?

Season 8, Episode 29: Organizational Culture Audit: What’s Your Temperature?

Taking the Pulse of Your Company Culture: A Leader’s Guide

In this episode of The Thermostat podcast, leadership expert and author Jason V. Barger explores the critical topic of organizational culture audits. He emphasizes the importance of not only measuring the current “temperature” of your company culture but also actively setting the desired temperature for the future. Barger draws a powerful analogy between thermometers (reactive tools that measure) and thermostats (proactive tools that control). He challenges leaders to shift from being passive observers of their culture to becoming intentional architects.

Key Takeaways:

• The Illusion of Communication: One of the biggest obstacles to cultural change is the mistaken belief that communication has occurred when it hasn’t. Leaders must communicate the purpose and process of culture audits clearly and consistently.
• More Than Just Surveys: While surveys are a valuable tool, they are only one part of a comprehensive culture audit. Barger recommends a multi-faceted approach that includes leadership alignment, surveys, cross-functional interviews, and a clear action plan based on the findings.
• Setting the Temperature: The most successful organizations don’t just measure their culture; they actively shape it. This involves identifying strengths, addressing weaknesses, and aligning the entire team around a shared vision for the future.
• The Power of Why: Barger stresses the importance of communicating the “why” behind the culture audit. Employees are more likely to engage in the process if they understand its purpose and potential impact.

Notable Quotes:

• “Thermometers take the temperature. Thermostats set the temperature. The best leaders, teams, and organizations do both.”
• “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it’s taken place.”
• “Culture shaping never stops.”

Five Characteristics of a Successful Organizational Culture Audit:

1. Consistent Communication: Throughout the process.
2. Leadership Alignment: Ensure leaders understand and support the audit.
3. Comprehensive Survey: Gather input from all levels of the organization.
4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Go deeper with a diverse group of employees.
5. Actionable Game Plan: Develop clear recommendations and next steps.

Questions to Ponder:

1. How would you describe the current temperature of your organization’s culture?
2. Are you merely taking the temperature, or are you actively setting it for the future?
3. What steps can you take to ensure that your culture audit leads to meaningful and lasting change?

Take Action:

If you’re ready to move beyond simply measuring your culture and want to proactively shape it, consider partnering with an expert like Jason V. Barger and his team. They offer comprehensive culture audit services that can help you gain valuable insights and develop a strategic roadmap for cultural transformation.

By embracing deliberate rest as a strategic asset, both individuals and teams can unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable high performance.

Links and References

For more insights and practical tips, be sure to check out Jason V Barger’s book Breathing Oxygen. This book dives deeper into the concepts discussed in this episode and provides additional strategies for fostering a positive mindset and effective leadership.

For more information on a Culture Audit process for your team or organization, email Info@JasonVBarger.com

By incorporating these practices into your summer routine, you can breathe new life into your personal and professional endeavors. Remember, as Jason says, “The best leaders, teams, and cultures on the planet stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.”