Building Better Cultures

Welcome back to a brand-new series of the Building Better Cultures Podcast!

In the first episode of the season, host Scott McInnes is joined by Phil Codd, Managing Director of Expleo in Ireland. They discuss the multifaceted nature of organisational culture, emphasising the importance of aligning leadership and employee cultures. Phil shares insights on employee happiness, effective communication, and the significance of feedback loops in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of hybrid work, the future of organisational culture, and the need for organisations to adapt to a more flexible and inclusive work environments.

Here are some of the key insights from the episode:

· Culture isn't just one thing; organisations have multiple cultures.

· Happy employees lead to happy customers and growth.

· Effective communication is a critical leadership skill.

· Feedback loops are essential for employee engagement.

· Celebrating employee longevity can enhance morale.

· Technology can facilitate continuous feedback in organisations.

· Hybrid work requires new ways of connecting teams.

· Organisational culture is not confined to physical spaces.

· Aligning leadership culture with employee culture is vital.

· Policies should focus on the human aspects of work.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast

03:12 Understanding Organisational Culture

09:54 The Importance of Communication in Culture

12:30 Feedback Loops and Employee Engagement

17:29 Flexibility and Hybrid Working Models

23:51 Challenges of Geographic and Hybrid Work

28:58 Future of Work and Cultural Alignment

Keywords: Organisational culture, leadership, employee engagement, communication, feedback loops, hybrid work, employee happiness, culture alignment, workplace dynamics, future of work Link to the Irish Times article referenced in the podcast

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Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of disconnection in the workplace with guests Susie Leacy and Kevin Empey. They explore the impact of remote work on employee connection, the role of leadership in fostering a cohesive culture, and the importance of intentional strategies to build relationships among employees. The conversation also touches on the multi-generational workforce and the need for organizations to adapt their communication and engagement strategies to meet diverse needs. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that connection is a shared responsibility between leaders and employees, and that fostering a culture of connection is essential for organizational success.

Takeaways

• Disconnection is a significant challenge in modern workplaces.

• Connection is essential for productivity and resilience.

• Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering connection.

• Organizations must adapt to maintain engagement in remote work settings.

• Intentional strategies are needed to create opportunities for connection.

• The multi-generational workforce presents unique challenges and opportunities.

• Onboarding processes should focus on building community and connection.

• Employees have a role in co-creating workplace culture.

• Flexibility in work arrangements comes with shared responsibility.

• Connection should be prioritized over merely addressing disconnection.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Disconnection in the Workplace

• 04:47 Understanding the Challenge of Disconnection

• 09:01 The Importance of Connection in Modern Work

• 12:03 Bridging the Gap: Building Cohesion and Engagement

• 16:15 Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce

• 21:55 Intergenerational Connections in Care Settings

• 24:35 Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace

• 29:42 Intentional Onboarding and Cultural Integration

• 33:06 Creating Community in a Hybrid Work Environment

• 39:13 Co-Creating Culture: The Role of Employees and Leaders

Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of accountability for values with guests Karen Jones and Karen Hackett. They explore the importance of articulating and embedding organizational values, the role of managers in fostering a culture of accountability, and the potential pitfalls of weaponizing values in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the significance of onboarding processes and the need for open communication and feedback within organizations.

Takeaways

• Accountability for values is a significant challenge for many organizations.

• Values must be articulated and understood to be effectively lived.

• Creating a culture of feedback is essential for accountability.

• Managers play a pivotal role in releasing the energy of their teams.

• Onboarding processes should embed values from the start.

• Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations about values.

• Values can be weaponized, leading to defensiveness in feedback.

• Organizations need to be bold about their current culture and desired future state.

• Storytelling can help connect employees to organizational values.

• Time is a critical factor in enabling managers to engage with their teams.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Accountability for Values

• 01:24 Understanding Organizational Culture

• 04:18 Insights from the Mind the Gap Report

• 06:19 Bringing Values to Life

• 11:03 Accountability in Practice

• 17:17 Weaponization of Values in the Workplace

• 22:16 Building a High-Performance Culture

• 24:53 The Role of Managers in Organizational Success

• 30:01 Empowering Middle Managers

• 37:22 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership

• 37:49 Effective Onboarding Practices

Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the third challenge from the Mind the Gap research report, focusing on the importance of learning and development in organizations. Joined by guests Barbara Carroll and Lisa Melody, they explore the significance of multi-generational workforces, the effectiveness of peer learning, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning.

The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their training methods and embrace diverse learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of their employees. In this conversation, Scott McInnes, Lisa Melody, and Barbara Carroll discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, mentoring, and the integration of AI in shaping future skills. They explore how organizations can foster growth through stretch assignments and collaborative decision-making, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in streamlining learning processes. 📘 Download Mind the Gap Report: https://www.inspiringchange.ie/mindthegap

Takeaways

• Organizations are grappling with similar challenges in learning and development.
• Learning should be a core value within organizations.
• Different learning methods can enhance employee development.
• Peer-based learning fosters collaboration and accountability.
• Mentoring, including reverse mentoring, is increasingly valuable.
• Leaders must model a commitment to their own learning.
• Creating space for learning is essential for employee development.
• Understanding the 'why' behind training increases motivation.
• Simple interventions can lead to significant improvements in learning.
• Embedding learning in organizational culture is crucial for success. Learning is about practical experience, not just courses.
• The 70-20-10 model emphasizes learning through daily activities.
• Stretch assignments can significantly enhance learning.
• Mentoring plays a crucial role in development.
• Engaging leaders fosters a collaborative culture.
• AI can help identify skills needed for future roles, streamline learning needs assessments and enable more efficient learning material creation.
• Reflection on learning is essential for growth.
• The future of learning will be more personalized through AI.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research
• 03:53 The Importance of Learning in Organizations
• 09:48 Dynamic Training and Peer Learning
• 16:14 Multi-Generational Workforces and Mentoring
• 20:04 Leadership's Role in Cultivating Learning Cultures
• 28:05 Redefining Learning and Development
• 33:10 The Role of AI in Future Skills
• 43:43 Embracing Change in Learning Environments

Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenges faced by mid-management in organizations, drawing insights from the Mind the Gap research report. Guests Katy Lumsden and Neil O'Brien share their experiences and perspectives on the evolving roles of managers and leaders, the importance of culture, and the need for effective communication and training. The conversation highlights the significance of psychological safety, resilience, and the necessity for managers to engage in tough conversations while fostering a supportive environment.

Takeaways

• The mid-management layer faces unique challenges from both above and below.

• Commonalities in organizational challenges can provide reassurance and strength.

• Leadership and management roles are increasingly blurred in modern organizations.

• Managers need to be equipped with tools to foster culture and engagement.

• The say-do gap highlights discrepancies between senior leadership intentions and managerial actions.

• Tough conversations are essential for growth but often avoided due to fear.

• Psychological safety is misunderstood and misapplied in many organizations.

• Resilience in younger generations may differ from previous cohorts.

• Effective management requires understanding individual team members deeply.

• Training for managers should focus on practical skills for modern challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research

05:04 The Role of Mid-Management

08:39 Leadership vs. Management

16:18 Culture Multipliers vs. Bottlenecks

21:58 Shifting Mindsets in Management

23:37 Navigating the Transition from Peer to Manager

29:42 The Importance of Role Modelling in Leadership

31:51 Addressing Difficult Conversations

38:47 Resilience in Leadership and Generational Differences

44:37 Skills for Modern Leadership in a Hybrid World

Mind the Gap Research: https://bit.ly/3WMlS4C

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.

• 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.

• 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

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

SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Sadhbh O'Flaherty takes over the mic to interview Scott McInnes about his recent research titled 'Mind the Gap.' The research explores the cultural challenges organisations face today, particularly through the lens of Chief People Officers (CPOs) in Ireland.

The conversation delves into the motivations behind the research, key findings, and actionable insights for organisations looking to improve their culture. Key themes include leadership skill and will, the role of managers, the importance of learning and development, accountability for values, and the challenge of disconnection in the workplace. Scott emphasises the need for intentionality in creating a strong organisational culture that aligns with business strategies. Mind The Gap Research: http://bit.ly/4gXtNp2

TAKEAWAYS

• Connection among HR leaders is crucial.

• Understanding culture challenges requires frontline insights.

• Leaders set the tone for organisational culture.

• Everyone in the organization owns the culture.

• Managers play a key role in translating values to teams.

• Learning should be prioritized beyond formal courses.

• Accountability for values strengthens organisational culture.

• Feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.

• Intentionality is key in fostering workplace connections.

• Culture impacts business outcomes significantly.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Research 02:02 The Motivation Behind the Research 04:28 Leadership Skill and Will 06:55 The Manager Factor 10:54 Skills for Today and Tomorrow 15:09 Accountability for Values 20:54 The Challenge of Disconnection 27:22 Surprises from the Research 29:18 Connecting Themes to Business Outcomes 32:34 Actionable Steps for Organisations

🧑‍💻Upcoming Webinar: Transform Your Change Journey Through the Power of Storytelling!

This September, join Scott McInnes and Des Moore, CEO of The Cumberland Building Society for a webinar exploring how they successfully used a corporate narrative, co-created with their people, to bring their transformation journey to life in a more human way.

What You’ll Discover: 1. Clear understanding of corporate narratives and their role in transformation. 2. Practical storytelling techniques to engage people during change. 3. Step-by-step collaborative process for co-creating compelling stories with colleagues. 4. Key insights on using stories to align and inspire teams through transformation.

📅 Mark Your Calendar: - Date: September 17, 2025 - Time: 12:00-1:00 pm (GMT) - Format: Online via Teams

Spots are limited, so please secure your spot today! Regsiter here.

Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Catherine Fallon about the critical role of change communication in organizations undergoing transformation. Catherine shares her extensive experience in employee engagement and change management, emphasizing the importance of building trust and aligning stakeholders during periods of change. The conversation explores effective strategies for communicating change, the role of middle management, the significance of storytelling, and the necessity of engaging change agents to foster a supportive environment. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the need for honesty and transparency in communication to ensure successful change implementation.

Takeaways

• Change communication is about building trust, not just issuing messages.

• Effective change communication aligns people towards a common goal.

• Resistance can cripple change programs if not managed properly.

• Honesty and transparency are critical in change communication.

• Middle management plays a vital role in translating change for their teams.

• Stakeholder analysis is essential to understand different perspectives.

• Stories can make change relatable and resonate with employees.

• Engaging change agents helps to influence and support the change process.

• Regular communication updates are necessary, even if there is no new information.

• Treating employees like adults fosters a culture of trust and engagement.

Sound Bites

• "It's not what you do, it's how you do it."

• "Change is always going to happen in an organization."

• "Building trust with the people going through the change."

• "The worst case is resistance and friction."

• "You want to know where the pockets of resistance are."

• "Being honest and open is critical."

• "Treat your employees like adults and don't infantilize them."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Change Communications

• 02:51 Catherine Fallon's Career Journey

• 05:45 The Importance of Change Communication

• 08:49 Effective Change Communication Strategies

• 12:09 The Role of Middle Management in Change

• 15:05 Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives

• 17:49 The Power of Storytelling in Change

• 21:04 Engaging Change Agents and Influencers

• 23:57 Final Thoughts on Honesty in Change Communication

Summary

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Clare Duffield, Assistant Chief Officer for People and Organisational Development at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). They discuss the importance of workplace culture, the challenges faced by policing globally, and the insights gained from a cultural audit conducted within PSNI. Clare shares the findings of the audit, highlighting both concerns and strengths within the organisation, and emphasises the need for trust, recognition, and support in fostering a positive culture. The conversation concludes with practical steps for implementing cultural change and the significance of connecting employees to the organisation's mission and purpose.

Takeaways

• Workplace culture is about the experience of employees.

• A clear mission and purpose are essential for organizational culture.

• Cultural audits can reveal both strengths and weaknesses.

• Trust and transparency are crucial for employee engagement.

• Recognition of achievements boosts morale and culture.

• Leadership visibility fosters trust within the organization.

• Cultural change requires time and commitment from leadership.

• Engaging employees in the change process is vital.

• Understanding the context of culture is important for effective change.

• Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements.

Sound Bites

• "Culture is what's it like to work here?"

• "We have to be able to give back."

• "Trust starts with human connection."

• "It's about the person behind the uniform."

• "One step at a time. Marginal gains."

• "We need to invest in the police service."

• "Focus on the why. Why does it exist?"

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

• 02:54 Understanding Workplace Culture

• 06:02 The Impact of Global Policing Challenges

• 08:56 Cultural Audit and Its Findings

• 11:48 Addressing Cultural Concerns

• 15:11 Positive Aspects of the Workforce

• 17:55 Building Trust and Support

• 20:49 Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements

• 23:45 Practical Steps for Cultural Change

• 27:02 Looking Forward: Implementing Change

• 29:58 Final Thoughts on Culture Change