Colin on Culture

According to research, over $3tn is wasted every year on excess bureaucracy ranging from simple process flaws to overly risk averse people and control freaks! In this video I not only talk about the issues that bureaucracy creates, but also provide a model to better understand how it arises and three actions you can take to stop it.

Link to research: https://www.garyhamel.com/sites/default/files/uploads/three-trillion-dollars.pdf

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In this episode of the Colin on Culture podcast I talk about the growing problem of meetings and provide strategies on the things that you can do to ensure that they don't kill your culture.

The recent BBC culture review highlighted a number of issues, not least, what behaviour is considered to be acceptable and what's not. In this episode I discuss the findings and also talk about how your organisation can avoid these 'grey' behaviours.

Read the BBC report at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/documents/bbc-workplace-culture-report.pdf

Middle managers are the difference between success and failure and yet not only do they recognise that they don't have the skills to succeed, organisations recognise that they underinvest in them too!

On this episode of the Colin on Culture podcast I provide insights and statistics on how to tackle the middle management crisis.

Let's explore the key characteristics of vibrant workplace cultures and take inspiration for culture change.

I look at the importance of building human relationships, effective collaboration, celebrating successes, learning from failures, establishing meaningful values, promoting equity, and maintaining work-life balance. By adopting these practices, you too can foster a positive and productive work environment.

Subcultures play an important role in shaping organisational culture. Managers have the agency to create their own team cultures without needing permission, but they don't always have the skills to foster a sense of belonging among employees. In this episode I explore how subcultures can drive culture change and enhance overall performance and the crucial skills development for managers that will make it possible.

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Take the Five Cultures Quiz and find out what kind of culture you have right now: https://www.fiveculturesquiz.com/

In this episode I'm exploring the parallels between toxic workplace cultures and the phenomenon of UFOs, emphasising how leadership often denies or gaslights concerns about toxic behaviours. Let's look at the importance of acknowledging issues, the toxic culture ladder, and the necessity of creating a safe environment for employees to report concerns. I also look at the need for effective crisis management and communication strategies to address and mitigate toxic cultures.

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Leadership behaviour significantly influences and shapes workplace culture.In this episode I outline a five-step framework for effective behaviour change that emphasises the importance of recognition, setting expectations, accountability, coaching, and providing help to facilitate sustainable change.

Behaviour change is not only possible but essential for creating a vibrant organisational culture. And yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

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Welcome to the first episode of the Colin on Culture podcast - a revamp of Culture & Coffee for 2025!

In this episode I explore the critical distinction between merely investing in organisational culture and being genuinely invested in it.

I share some insights from my own experiences which have reinforced for me that true investment in culture involves active participation, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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☑️ Access to my virtual masterclass: How To Build A High Performance Culture

☑️ 10 Benefits of Purposeful Culture Building - a visual guide

☑️ Whitepaper: How Executives Enable a High Performance Culture

☑️ Whitepaper: A Management Guide To Great Cultures

☑️ The Common Sense Email Charter

☑️ The Common Sense Manifesto

What does it mean to be happy at work and why does it matter?

In this episode I discuss the importance of employee happiness, distinguishing it from mere engagement, and explore where happiness is derived from: well-being, a growth mindset, and achievement.

I share insights on how organizations can foster a culture that values happiness, leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover. Let's also look at the role of leadership in creating an environment where employees feel motivated and fulfilled, ultimately contributing to both personal and organizational success.

What kind of culture do you have right now?

Take the free Five Cultures Quiz and find out.