Manufactured Chaos vs. Authentic Cultural Transformation
“But over the last quarter-century or so, the idea of disruption has also metastasized into a sort of cult, the credo of which holds that everything is to be disrupted, all the time, and that if you’re not changing everything, you’re losing.”
A colleague recently shared an insightful opinion piece from The New York Times titled "Mass Layoffs? Just Another Day in the Corporate Blender." Authored by Ashley Goodall, a former executive at Deloitte and Cisco Systems, the article highlights Silicon Valley's inclination to adopt unnecessary layoffs despite being highly profitable. This manufactured disruption and constant change pattern is primarily driven by investor pressure on company leaders. Studies indicate that layoffs leave employees disoriented and demoralized, often failing to deliver their intended results. The psychological toll of perpetual change, characterized by uncertainty and loss of control, underscores the importance of stability and belonging in the workplace.
“Were more leaders to be guided by the science of change, or by the stories that people on the front lines share, they would quickly discover that it is stability that is the foundation of improvement. ”
Our Culture in the Flow of Work™ transformation system recognizes the need for authentic culture change. First, we guide leadership teams in creating a cultural platform that prioritizes bonding, trust, and belonging, asking the crucial question, "How do we want to be together?" We believe cultural stability is foundational, established through norms, rituals, accountability, and the shared values of Strengths, Purpose, Understanding, and Respect (S.P.U.R.).
In the next phase, People-Powered Leadership™, we guide leadership teams in navigating uncertainty with their employees, fostering a mindset of possibility, experimentation, and curiosity. This approach empowers both leaders and employees to shape the company's future together. Reach out to us to learn more.