The Cultureship Blog

Inspiring foundation stories or cultural hangovers?

If we are to believe the blockbusting management books of the last 20 or so years, the active pursuit of a “good” corporate culture can make the difference between an Excellent company and an also ran.  Indeed, if you spent any time with myself or my business partner Malcolm, you’d see that we passionately believe that focussing on corporate culture (in addition to organisational strategy and processes) can create powerful momentum for individual fulfilment and organisational performance.

But where does it start?  There are some aspects of a business’s culture that run deep.  Some stories that linger in the air stronger than current practices or relationships and, although intangible, can often have a great influence over the culture of any organisation. 

We call them foundation stories – and they can help or hinder with equal power.

Continue reading ‘Where did it all begin?’

This has been the week of the G20 summit and London has been awash with people protesting…..  protesting about everything from the global economy, global warming and poverty in developing countries, right through to the closure of their local post office, or the collapse in value of a personal pension. 

There was no greater or lesser reason for protesting for those following their causes – and the desire to travel to London and be heard, in some small way, bought all those people together.  Solidarity. 

So, what for the rest of us then?  Those who went happily (or not) to work this week?  Did we feel as though we were turning up to take part in a noble cause……or any cause for that matter?  Or was it simply a case of turning up, keeping your head down and looking after number one?

Continue reading ‘Remaking Capitalism – A Smile at a Time?’