“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast”: Why Your Company Culture Matters

So, you’ve a brilliant business plan, but your team lacks the enthusiasm to make it come to life. That’s the essence of the famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.“

Your company’s culture is the foundation of everything you do. It shapes your people’s behaviour, decision-making, and ultimately their satisfaction. A strong culture fits with your strategy and supports your people to achieve your shared goals.

Here’s why company culture is so important:

• Alignment and Buy-In: A strong culture helps everyone to understand and support the organisation’s vision and mission. This builds a sense of purpose and motivates them to go the extra mile.
• Innovation and Agility: A culture that values creativity and collaboration sparks true innovation. People will then feel empowered to take risks and experiment, which is crucial for adapting to change (which is the only constant).
• Engagement: A positive culture is attractive to top talent and leads to stronger engagement. Engaged people are more productive, satisfied, and less likely to up and leave.

How to Cultivate a Winning Culture:

• Leadership: Leaders set the tone for the culture. Their actions, behaviors, and decisions communicate what’s truly important for the organisation.
• Values: Clearly defined values act as a guiding compass for your people’s behaviour. Make sure your values are baked into everything you do (no excuses).
• Communication: Make sure you’re open and transparent in your communication. Encourage your people to share their ideas (and concerns) freely.
• Recognition: Make sure you recognise your people when they embody your company culture. This reinforces the behaviours you are looking for and hopefully motivates others to follow their lead.

Building a strong company culture takes time and effort, but the payoff will be significant. By investing in your culture, you’re investing in the future success of your organisation.