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Understanding the Power of Culture

Welcome to The Jameson Files. Today, I'll be exploring a topic that deeply resonates with me and is gaining prominence in discussions worldwide: culture. As a practice leader, understanding how to cultivate a meaningful work culture is more vital than ever. In the past few years, I’ve had numerous conversations with doctors and practice leaders who feel overwhelmed by team turnover and lack of engagement. Creating a culture that counts is essential in our quest to motivate teams beyond mere minimal performance to embrace their roles wholeheartedly. According to Gallup polls, as of May 2025, employee engagement worldwide is declining, with 79% of employees feeling disengaged at work. This disengagement translates into a lack of initiative, emotional withdrawal, and a phenomenon known as "quiet quitting."

The Challenge of Disengagement

Disengagement is a significant challenge, especially when trying to develop a thriving practice. When nearly 80% of employees start their workdays disengaged, striving for an ideal practice vision becomes an uphill battle. Our efforts to create a positive culture must overcome this hurdle. Our focus today is on crafting an intentional, high-performing culture from the ground up.

Creating a Culture by Design

As leaders, we must decide whether our culture is created by default or by design. Are you living with the results of an unintentional culture, or are you building one purposefully? To foster an environment where your practice's vision thrives, it's crucial to approach leadership with intention. The pandemic has impacted employee engagement levels significantly, and it is critical to evaluate how you led your practice during those challenging times. Your team members today reflect the seeds you planted back then. However, it's never too late to start anew. Culture building is a marathon, requiring clarity, intention, communication, and consistency in leadership.

Communicating Vision and Expectations

A successful culture aligns with your practice's purpose, vision, and values. Leaders must communicate with transparency and regularly engage with their teams. According to Gallup, only two out of ten employees feel connected to their company's culture. This disconnect indicates a lack of communication and the assumption that employees understand their roles without explicit discussions. The cornerstone of a vibrant culture is clarity in expectations and vision. Being transparent about these aspirations will help establish a team that is committed to growing and achieving your practice's ideals. Remember, assumption is not communication.

Cultivating Professional Maturity and Communication Skills

Professional maturity and effective communication are integral to a healthy culture. A team must be open to coaching, personal growth, and understanding the dynamic elements each generation brings to the table. This commitment to diversity and understanding will fuel innovation and team cohesion.

Setting the Foundation of a Successful Culture

To create a healthy culture, evaluate these elements within your practice:

1. Leadership Alignment: Ensure that practice leaders are united in their vision to prevent mixed signals.

2. Purpose, Mission, and Vision Leadership: Lead your team with a clear understanding of your purpose, what you want to achieve, and where you're headed.

3. Values-Driven Decisions: Reflect and measure decisions and relationships against core values.

4. Effective Communication: Foster an environment where open and mature communication is a priority.

5. Generational Understanding: Appreciate the values and motivations of different generations to better connect with your team.

Moving Forward with Intention

The journey to a culture that counts involves consistent reinforcement of your practice’s message.