“Culture is how we do things here” – Brené Brown
Pause for a moment. Reflect: Does your culture empower people to give their best, or does it hold them back with invisible barriers like fear, shame, and disconnection?
Many organizations have values written on their walls, but how many truly live by them? Cultures are not built with aspirational statements; they are designed through consistent actions, courageous conversations, and intentional decisions.
The questions that illuminate the truth
If you truly want to understand your organizational culture, you don’t need a complicated diagnosis. You just need to answer these key questions:
What behaviors are rewarded? What behaviors are punished?
Where and how do people allocate their resources (time, money, attention)?
What rules and expectations are followed, adhered to, or ignored?
Do people feel safe when expressing their feelings and asking for what they need?
What are the taboos? Who is most likely to enforce them?
What stories have become legends, and what values do they convey?
What happens when someone fails, disappoints, or makes a mistake?
How are vulnerability, uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure perceived?
Are shame and guilt prevalent? How do they manifest?
What is the collective tolerance for discomfort?
Answering these questions can be uncomfortable and even revealing. As Brené Brown points out, these insights shine a light on the darker areas of our culture, exposing the gap between the values we preach and the ones we practice.
How to build a culture resistant to fear and shame
Cultures that thrive are not those free of mistakes but those that turn every mistake into a learning opportunity. This means:
1. Designing an environment where people can learn and grow
2. Encouraging open conversations about shame, vulnerability, and disconnection
3. Turning every mistake into an opportunity to innovate and move forward
4. Training leaders and team members on the importance of giving and receiving constructive feedback that inspires growth and commitment
Final reflection
The question is not whether your organization has a culture—because every organization does. The real question is: Is your culture driving or hindering your strategy?
At Trascend, we help companies build cultures that transcend, fostering creativity, learning, and engagement.
Contact us today and discover how to transform your organization’s culture.
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