This was on my mind today as I worked on my Digital Leading and Learning class today. I can't tell you where I saw it. I can't even pinpoint how long ago I saw it. All I know is that it made an impression on me. If someone can point me to the source of this quote, I would appreciate giving proper credit. I saw this quote and it sums up so much that frustrates people who try to change the culture in an organization. "Trying to create a culture is like putting together a 10,000 piece puzzle of a 1-to-1 picture of a filed of grass... in a field of grass... at midnight... in a hurricane." Too often, I see leaders have a clear vision, and just expect everyone to get on board. They can't figure out why people get frustrated, get upset, fight back, and eventually quit. After all, they have a good, solid clear picture of the goal. How hard is to work toward a clearly defined goal? The problem is that these leaders are so focused on the goal, that they can't see the circumstances surrounding everyone. Too often, the circumstances are ignored. The best, and most effective leaders develop a real understanding and relationship before setting out on a mission to change the culture of an organization.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't change a culture that needs to be updated or improved. The culture that exists in an organization is inseparable from its success or failure. To help ensure success, leaders need to spend time understanding the circumstances and the environment. There are some things that can't be changed. At the same time, there are some that can. Too often, all that is needed is to slow down, and let the storm pass. It doesn't do any good to push through at full speed only to have everything crash and end up with a worse situation than you started with. Let the dawn arrive. Give people a sense of safety and security. Then, proceed to take one step at a time toward your goal. Don't forget that you just survived a storm. There is still debris and problems all around. Rushing still won't help. In fact, it begs the question. If the goals can be rushed, are they really worth doing? Anything worth doing should be done well. Be the leader that walks with your team toward the goal, not the one that shouts demands from a helicopter. It will take time. It will be difficult. It will be messy. But it will be worth it when you finally do succeed in changing the culture of your organization with your team in full support of your goal.
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About me & this blogThis blog is for things related to my class, PL, coaching, or just teaching in general. You can follow me on Twitter @myakSTEM Archives
June 2021
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