Systems Thinking and Organizational Culture: The Whole is Greater than the Sum of the Parts
At Spark Success we take a 3-Point Approach which includes appreciative inquiry, systems thinking, and values alignment. This article focuses on the aspect of systems thinking. We hear this term more often these days. What does it mean and why does it matter? Have you heard any of these terms lately – systems thinking, systems approach, systems work? A system refers to the dynamic moving and...
We gave them what they asked for. Isn’t that enough? … The Leaders’ Role
In Fred Kofman’s book, The Meaning Revolution: The Power of Transcendent Leadership, I read about the reasons that engagement initiatives quite often fail. Often such initiatives stem from results of engagement surveys showing what people want or what is lacking. In an effort to increase the engagement scores, leaders may be tempted to provide what people seem to be looking for – for example,...
Reflection, Intention, and Action! From Possibility to Reality
Have you reflected on 2019, set your intention for 2020, and are now feeling overwhelmed at the idea of getting into action? You’re not alone. So often, when we set our intentions, we are in the space of possibility. That space feels so inspiring and filled with promise. Acting on our intentions has a way of bringing them to a screeching halt. If we have big intentions,...
As 2019 comes to a close …
As 2019 draws to a close, reflecting on the year can support your learning, growth and development. There is a saying that we learn through experience; however, as John Dewey said: “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” Ways to Reflect … You can ask yourself (I recommend writing out your answers): What went well this year? What did I learn through my...
The Integral Role of Leaders in Organizational Culture
Leaders have a pivotal impact on the initiation and sustainability of Values Based Organizational Culture. They have a large say as they create the environment, model the behaviours, and decide on the related strategies, processes, procedures, and systems. Therefore, it is important to explore how leaders impact organizational culture and how they can support the shift towards the...
The Trusted Collaborator: Supporting a Positive Trajectory
As organizations move further into the Knowledge Era and experience the complexities therefrom within their business operations, values-based organizational culture initiatives become even more imperative. Having a trusted collaborator to work with you on these initiatives goes a long way towards having an objective perspective, understanding your overall organizational system, and...
What is Values-Based Organizational Culture (VBOC), and Why is It Important?
In our last blog post, I explained what is meant by Organizational Culture and how to successfully approach Organizational Culture initiatives. In this post, we will explore a specific type of Organizational Culture, values-based organizational culture. Values-based organizational culture is the desired type of organizational culture. It is a culture in which successful leaders’...