This is a topic that is close to my heart and critical to any organisation's success: the interplay between culture and strategy.

In this episode, we explore the striking parallels between the football community and the business world. Just as a football team requires a clear vision and a well-defined strategy to clinch victory, so does any organisation aiming for success.

Strategy: The 'Why' Behind Every Goal We delve into the importance of strategy, not just as a buzzword, but as the compass that guides an organisation towards its vision. It's about defining the 'why' behind every action and ensuring that every move aligns with the overarching goals.

Culture: The 'How' of Your Team's Play But what about the 'how'? This is where culture comes into play, and I share insights on why "culture eats strategy for breakfast." It's the driving force that can either propel your strategy forward or hold it back.

The Investment Imbalance I've observed a curious trend: organisations often pour resources into crafting strategies but only sprinkle a little attention on culture. It's time to balance the scales and recognise that nurturing a strong culture is pivotal for delivering on your strategy.

The Operating Model: Your Team's Formation We also touch on the operating model – think of it as your team's formation on the field. Culture shapes this model, and it's essential to invest in a robust culture that supports your strategic objectives.

Values: Your Team's Heartbeat Values are the heartbeat of your organisation's culture. It's not just the leadership team's responsibility to set them; it's about involving every member of the staff in defining and living these values.

Empowerment: The Coach's Strategy I share practical steps on how to define and nurture your organisational culture, from conducting culture workshops to empowering managers to lead cultural transformation within their teams.

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TIMESTAMPS

Strategy and Culture (00:00:56)

Explanation of the link between strategy and culture in organisations, emphasising the significance of both.

Investment in Strategy (00:02:11)

Comparison of the disproportionate amount of time and money invested in developing strategy versus culture in organisations.

Vision and Strategy (00:03:27)

Definition of vision and strategy, emphasising the importance of a clear vision to steer the strategy.

Reviewing Strategy (00:04:31)

Importance of regularly reviewing the strategy and priorities within the business, with the need for quarterly business reviews.

Operating Model and Structure (00:05:33)

Explanation of the operating model's role in defining the structure and responsibilities within an organisation, with a comparison to the football community's structure.

Defining Culture (00:07:42)

Importance of spending an equal amount of time developing the culture as the strategy, including the role of values in shaping the company's identity.

Involving Staff in Culture Definition (00:09:06)

The significance of involving staff in defining the culture to create a sense of ownership and belonging.

Investing in Culture (00:12:02)

The investment and returns of defining and enhancing the organisational culture, with examples of improved engagement and productivity.

Defining Culture Approaches (00:13:54)

Two approaches to defining culture: running culture workshops for each department or teaching managers to build great culture.

Culture and Strategy Delivery (00:15:42)

The importance of a clear, coherent pathway for employees to deliver the strategy, using the example of Manchester City's culture and success.

Building Great Culture (00:16:47)

The impact of involving employees in creating the culture, leading to increased engagement and care within the organisation.