A troubled leader once approached an organization’s wisest oracle and asked “Where are we going wrong, O wise one! We have the people, strategy, brands, and yet success eludes. We seem to be working harder than ever, yet reach nowhere. We are always at the start of our journey but never in sight of completing it.”
“The source of all your troubles is the source itself!” cackled the wise oracle and walked away.
The leader felt more confused than ever. What source was the oracle talking about? He had always known of oracles talking in riddles but just this once, he wanted a straight-forward solution not a riddle.
He retired into the night for some soul-searching and reflection. He knew he had the answer in his palms the minute he understood the “source”. What could it be? Was the oracle referring to the foundation of the organization? Could be….He rummaged through his mind for some clue and finally had the eureka moment.
It’s the ‘people’, of course! They form the bedrock of the organization, what else could the oracle mean by the source.
Proud of the fact that he had solved the riddle, he prepared to accost the oracle and find what was going wrong with his people. Armed with all the statistics he could find, he fixed an appointment and braced for a long discussion with the oracle the next day.
“Tell me O wise one, How is it that our people is the source of all troubles? We have always hired the brightest minds. Our culture is based on meritocracy and our leaders always deliver on their goals.”
If that is the truth, O mighty Leader, why is it that you are sitting in my office? quipped the oracle.
The culture killers move in the garb of conformance and slowly but surely move the culture builders out
For once, the leader was at loss of words.
Anyhow, you are here and it is my duty to be at your service. The source of your troubles is the source indeed. You do hire the brightest of minds but do not see who really got hired said the oracle.
What do you mean? asked the Leader.
Who are your people really? Are they Culture Builders, Culture Keepers or Culture Killers? Your backyard has an outgrowth of culture killers who are weeding out all that is good. Your culture keepers, ones who maintain the health of the organization stand paralyzed today. They maintain all that is good but cannot lead and define what your culture stands for. Hunt for your Culture Builders and nurture them. They are the only ones that can salvage your organization.
But how do I know who is who? The leader asked, clearly troubled by the task at hand.
The culture killers move in the garb of conformance and hence it’s difficult to know them but it’s not an impossible task, O great one. Watch them in quiet when no one is watching them and see them reveal their true colors. The first port of action for every culture killer is to slowly but surely move the culture builders out. Watch who is driving your culture builders out and guard your gates my friend.
Guard your gates, while you let in and let out, lest you hire to bring your own fortress down.
(The views expressed in this article are mine and my employer does not subscribe to the substance or veracity of my views)