In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with with Eric Henry about maintaining healthy organizational culture during periods of growth. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Eric discussed the challenges of maintaining a healthy organizational culture during periods of growth, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, trust, and mutual accountability. They also explored the challenges of integrating new team members into an established culture and the need for consistency and alignment within the team. Lastly, they discussed the importance of reinforcing core values within an organization and the use of technology to foster relationships and build trust.
Maintaining Culture in Tech Companies
Jonathan and Eric discussed the challenges of maintaining a healthy organizational culture during periods of growth, particularly in a technology company. Eric emphasized the importance of making people feel seen and valued, and Jonathan agreed, noting that this is crucial for productivity and innovation. They also touched on the potential challenges of balancing the need for a positive culture with the demands of daily work. The conversation was set to continue with a focus on how to navigate these challenges.
Maintaining Culture During Growth Challenges
Eric and Jonathan discussed the challenges of maintaining culture during periods of growth. Eric emphasized the importance of clarity in leadership, stating that it is crucial for creating and maintaining a healthy culture. He noted that growth can stretch the ability to have clarity within an organization, and that it is essential to ensure that the values and expectations are clear and understood by all. Jonathan agreed, adding that trust is also a foundational element in creating a healthy culture. Both agreed that effective communication and mutual accountability are necessary for maintaining a healthy culture, especially as an organization grows.
Maintaining Trust in Expanding Orgs
Eric and Jonathan discussed the challenges of maintaining trust and clarity within an expanding organization. They highlighted how the introduction of systems and processes can sometimes erode trust, as individuals may feel that their needs are no longer being met as they were in the past. Eric emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind changes in practices and policies, and Jonathan stressed the need for clear communication and consistency in these matters to prevent misunderstandings and maintain trust. They agreed that these issues are critical to the organization's growth and success.
Integrating New Team Members Into Culture
Eric and Jonathan discussed the challenges of integrating new team members into an established culture. Eric highlighted the importance of understanding the pace of the organization and the potential for mismatched expectations among team members. Jonathan agreed, emphasizing the need for consistency and alignment within the team. They both acknowledged that while individual personalities and styles are important, a certain level of consistency is necessary for the team to function effectively.
Maintaining Culture in Growing Companies
Jonathan and Eric discussed the challenges of maintaining a healthy culture as a company grows. They agreed that clear communication, understanding of shared values, and open expectations are crucial. Eric shared his experience of introducing a 'clarity score' to measure the organization's understanding of their strategy. He also mentioned a shift in roles to systematize the business and emphasized the importance of understanding and utilizing individual skills and gifts. Jonathan asked for recommendations on reintroducing healthy cultural practices when they start to slip away, to which Eric suggested having direct, safe, and healthy conversations about issues.
Reinforcing Core Values in Organizations
In the meeting, Eric discussed the importance of reinforcing core values within an organization. He shared his experience of using the Slack channel for core value stories to celebrate and reinforce these values. Eric emphasized the need for peer recognition and the use of technology to foster relationships and build trust. He also highlighted the importance of setting clear expectations and measuring performance to restore a culture of trust and clarity.
Listen to the webinar here:
