How Can You Transform Organizational Culture? Stir The Pot
I grew up in the Evergreen State – a stone’s throw from Mt. Rainier. If you’ve ever been there from October until June, you will quickly understand why the western part of the state is so green. It’s also one of the few places in the world where meteorologist’s predictions are often on point: highs in the 50s, lows in the 40s, partly cloudy with a chance of rain.
Growing up there you also develop some unique characteristics: embracing life in the fog (ever wonder why Starbucks was started in Seattle), celebrating glimpses of sunshine, being active in the rain, and before the creation of Gore-Tex, we all had webbed feet. But perhaps one of the most memorable things about growing up in Washington was embracing what I came to know as the rainy day special - soup (and a sandwich).
What’s your ‘rainy day’ special?
For me, due to many factors growing up – tomato soup seemed to be my favorite. On good days, it was made with milk (rather than water) bringing with it a smooth, creamy richness that warmed the soul and
seasoned the palette. Add a little toasted bread or grilled cheese and it was a meal that matched the weather. Grey skies beware.
What about you? Is there a particular soup that hits the spot?
Of course, my early attempts at crafting such a delicacy left a bit to be desired. Ok, so it was literally taking a can of tomato soup concentrate and then adding the right amount of milk. But I soon realized there was something more. So much more.
I couldn’t just turn on the heat and walk away. If I did, soon the soup was bubbling and with it, an odd array of bubbles and clumps. Certainly not the creamy smooth texture that my palette savored and I had grown to love. And it was more than just a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. It required something more. An action perhaps. Something intentional yet often overlooked, but certainly recognized when given.
Same recipe, same ingredients, but different soup.
I soon learned that there was a lot more to making soup than just putting it in a pot and heating it up. The order of the ingredients, the temperature, and the amount of each ingredient all matter. But there is still one more thing…
Stirring the pot matters.
This is not just true for soup, but for your team, your organization and your life. Who stirs the pot matters greatly! Why, because you are the number one ingredient in anything you make, serve, or develop.
In his book, Soup, Jon Gordon shares a recipe for success through the lens of a business fable. It is a ‘stirring’ story that echo’s with the essential ingredients that all companies need to succeed but often fail to recognize.
So often as leaders, we are fixated on the foundational ingredients that we think (or are told) will lead to success. Many times, from a business perspective, these are operational metrics, key performance
indicators (KPIs), the balance sheet, etc. While these are incredibly important after all, no margin no mission, we overlook what is at the core of successful teams – the culture created by the leader or team of leaders.
Stirring the pot takes time – and brings out the best in the soup.
If you create a culture that is supportive (resources needed), empowering (stretching each individual to grow), and founded on a greater benefit to others, the team will thrive, work effectively, and remain resilient. In most circumstances, amazingly enough, the metrics take care of themselves.
However, creating an organizational culture requires trust, passion and optimism. It requires the courage to break through the natural fear of change. It requires confidence that the effort will be worthwhile. It requires a curiosity to explore and a desire to learn. And the humility to genuinely appreciate others and show gratitude even on the most challenging of days.
And while you are stirring the pot, ask your team to provide occasional taste tests. They may provide some incredible insights and new ingredient suggestions. After all, assuming what you are doing is supported by your team and having your team provide that directly are remarkably different approaches. Just like you don’t assume the soup will taste good, great leaders don’t lead by assumptions. It is in the learning, growing, and subtle (sometimes profound) adjustments that season the soup to perfection.
Keep stirring, savor the aroma, and adjust to taste.
Gordon also broadens the discussion beyond business. Do you recognize that the love and passion we invest into our life work determines the quality of it? The love shared in raising or teaching children, developing employees, or helping patients greatly impacts the outcome. The compassion, or lack thereof, we give ourselves and share with others will determine whether life is hot or cold. It determines the tapestry of our lives, our relationships and how others perceive and receive us.
When we appreciate others, they feel it. When we are genuinely grateful, others sense it. When we stir the pot at work with trust, passion, respect and optimism, our patients, and colleagues notice. Just as soup reflects the soup maker, so our lives, careers and relationships are the reflection of the passion that drives our efforts.