Episode Summary

In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Denise Black and Denis Doolan to explore the critical role of leadership in shaping organisational culture.

Together, they unpack insights from the Mind the Gap report — highlighting the importance of intentionality, inclusivity, and the need for leaders to embody the culture they wish to create. The conversation delves into the consequences of neglecting culture, the essential capabilities leaders must develop, and the collaborative process of defining a target culture that aligns with organisational strategy.

The episode wraps up with reflections on how leadership drives cultural change and performance across teams.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders have a disproportionate impact on organisational culture.
• Inclusivity is essential for effective culture creation.
• Culture should be woven into the strategic DNA of the organisation.
• Empathy and active listening are critical leadership skills.
• Culture is not a standalone initiative — it enables all initiatives.
• Intentionality in leadership is crucial for cultural success.
• Feedback from employees is vital in shaping target culture.
• Communication reinforces culture and values.
• Leaders must model the behaviours they wish to see.
• A strong culture leads to better organisational performance.

Chapters

• 00:00 — Introduction to Leadership and Culture
• 04:28 — Insights from the Mind the Gap Report
• 09:24 — The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture
• 15:12 — Consequences of Abdicating Culture to HR
• 19:19 — Essential Capabilities for Senior Leaders
• 30:39 — Defining Target Culture
• 37:23 — Impact of Leadership on Cultural Change

Resources

📘 Download the Mind the Gap report → bit.ly/4nT9jAo