“So, what does a culture of belonging look like? It looks like this….”
Last month I asked you what you think are the primary components of a good organizational culture. I promised to write back with my summary of your responses.
I got lots of good response with lots of variation. But at the same time, our lovely English language is very adept at saying the same thing in different ways.
I compiled 16 pages of material from your responses. If I had to pick out one word from all 5300 of those words to encapsulate the essence of culture, it would need to be this one.
Belonging.
In its simplest form, that is what we all desire from culture. We have an innate need to belong.
That of course begs the question, how do you create belonging. And the right kind of belonging. Let me work on this for you. I have categorized your words into 3 groups.
Group #1
Safety, structure, boundaries, love, clarity, communication, truth, respect, personable leadership, dignity, consistency, expectations, mercy, grace.
Group #2
An open mind, flexibility, humility, humor, compassion, gratitude, positive attitude, accepting of others, honesty, open to change, open to feedback & criticism.
Group #3
Purpose, aligned goals, recognition, autonomy, appreciation, a voice, vision, shared values, accountability, trust.
So, what does a culture of belonging look like?
It looks like this:
Shared Purpose & Accountability
The final leg of a culture of belonging is a shared vision, a shared purpose, shared goals, and shared values. And accountability to the same. Being recognized and appreciated for accomplishments. And even more than that, the personal knowledge that what I am doing has a value. It is making a difference.
So, there you have it. The perfect formula for culture. The formula you helped create. The culture we all want.
Why then, is it so hard?
It is because we are all just a little messed up inside. We have this battle going on inside, of hating what we want most.
We want safety. But often the same structure and boundaries that create clarity, consistency and protection are the ones we resist because we think they inhibit our freedom.
We want autonomy without accountability. But often the systems a company provides is really what gives you the autonomy to make decisions. A ship without a compass is not free.
We like people who are vulnerable. But we don’t want to be vulnerable ourselves. Being safe and being vulnerable simultaneously sounds like mutual antagonism. But it isn’t. Its not only congruent, but necessary. Because vulnerability precedes trust.
Many of you cited Trust as the #1 component of good culture. You may have noticed that I listed it last. Because trust is the result. Trust is the sum. When there is love, safety, humility, openness and accountability, the result is trust. Which leads to responsibility and opportunity.
Culture is not just something we inherently or historically are. Culture is what we have become by doing. It is an accumulation of choices and actions. Culture is not something to hide behind. It is something we are responsible for.
It is the responsibility of everyone.
To provide a place to belong. And to choose to belong.
Thankyou again for reading. I appreciate the Trowel Spin community. And I will see you next month
1 Love & Safety
The primary function of a good culture of belonging is a place where you are loved, accepted and safe. As humans, we are created to love and be loved. We are wired for psychological and physical safety. We want respect and dignity. And we all deserve it equally, because we are equally created in the likeness of God.
2 Humility & Vulnerability
Humility came up a lot. But the word vulnerability never came up. But there were so many phrases that carried the meaning of vulnerability, that I decided to use it. You could say vulnerability is humility in action.
Vulnerability is opening yourself up. Exposing your self to danger. Taking the risk to be misunderstood. Vulnerability is admitting my way could be less then the best. It is having an open mind but remaining honest under fire. It’s being understanding of different social and personal makeups. It is laughing at yourself and being open to feedback. Its learning from criticism without letting it destroy you.
3 Shared Purpose & Accountability
The final leg of a culture of belonging is a shared vision, a shared purpose, shared goals, and shared values. And accountability to the same. Being recognized and appreciated for accomplishments. And even more than that, the personal knowledge that what I am doing has a value. It is making a difference.
So, there you have it. The perfect formula for culture. The formula you helped create. The culture we all want.
Why then, is it so hard?
It is because we are all just a little messed up inside. We have this battle going on inside, of hating what we want most.
We want safety. But often the same structure and boundaries that create clarity, consistency and protection are the ones we resist because we think they inhibit our freedom.
We want autonomy without accountability. But often the systems a company provides is really what gives you the autonomy to make decisions. A ship without a compass is not free.
We like people who are vulnerable. But we don’t want to be vulnerable ourselves. Being safe and being vulnerable simultaneously sounds like mutual antagonism. But it isn’t. Its not only congruent, but necessary. Because vulnerability precedes trust.
Many of you cited Trust as the #1 component of good culture. You may have noticed that I listed it last. Because trust is the result. Trust is the sum. When there is love, safety, humility, openness and accountability, the result is trust. Which leads to responsibility and opportunity.
Culture is not just something we inherently or historically are. Culture is what we have become by doing. It is an accumulation of choices and actions. Culture is not something to hide behind. It is something we are responsible for.
It is the responsibility of everyone.
To provide a place to belong. And to choose to belong.
Thankyou again for reading. I appreciate the Trowel Spin community. And I will see you next month.
“Don’t worry about your neighbor’s grass. Focus on making yours greener.”
