The Origin of Culture

Confession: Over the span of my 25-years of leadership, I have read several books on creating culture and they have all left me confused.

The "do this and then do that" approach to creating culture, I believe, is flawed. A theory of culture that adequately predicts the variations thrown at a leader is either too shallow in its approach or so complex that execution is beyond managing. My experience has led me to believe that culture is developed when we simply focus on doing the right things.

I hear the sighs of disappointment when such a claim is made. We all hope for the three step, fool proof approach to creating culture. That elusive promise doesn't exist. Culture is a by-product of showing up and doing what is right every minute of the day. The collaboration of lay leaders and pastors agreeing to what is right and then executing on that rightness, brings about lasting, positive culture.

Culture is a reflection of how your church feels about their leadership, and ultimately, each other and their joint purpose. Leadership creates the elements of culture. Culture is simply an expression of that leadership. When a leader "endears" others to his or her leadership, the spark of a positive culture begins to emerge. Culture becomes an after-thought of our efforts. We do right and on occasion look back over our shoulder and see the boundaries of positive culture forming. We don't set out to create culture, we set out to do what is right for and with those we lead.

Doing what is right takes mental toughness and discipline. Leaders fail daily for lack of these two important abilities and convictions. Culture reflects the actions of leaders. If a leader allows favoritism or ignores challenges to the church's purpose, the culture will reflect that decision.

The complexity of how and why culture exists has led me to focus on the key drivers instead of the culture itself. I have found that when a leader (1) cares deeply for those they lead and acts accordingly and (2) creates an environment in which those they lead can make a distinct difference in life -- a meaningful and supportive culture will develop.

Stop trying to create a culture for the sake of creation -- instead, develop the leadership discipline of doing what is right.

Recruiting Others to a Shared Vision

You likely already have the skill -- and have practiced it quite often -- of recruiting others to a shared vision. If you have been married a couple of years or more you are experienced. Just use that approach with others.

Recruiting others to a shared vision is the same process you use to convince your spouse that you need, really, really need a your own space or the latest “all my friends have one” purchase. By dissecting the approach you take with your spouse, you can use the same method (minus the romance) with others you want to join with you in a shared vision.

Before we approach our spouse with our thinking, we make sure we actually do some thinking. We prepare for the obvious questions:

Why do you want to do this?
What will it accomplish?
Why is it important to you?
What will it cost?
What are other alternatives?
Why do you need to pursue it now?
What is the benefit to you and me?

Once you have thought through your possible questions and have inspiring responses in mind, you now pick the right time to approach the subject. Timing and environment are very important. You make sure that you will be uninterrupted so they have time to ask their questions and discuss at length.

After introducing the new idea, you give them time to think about it, remind them why it is important to you and convey appreciation for their consideration. (Not your style -- try it. It works.)

If you don’t hear back from them in a reasonable amount of time, you follow up to see if they have additional questions and to gauge their acceptance. When an agreement is made, you routinely keep them posted as to progress to reinforce the wisdom of their decision and a reminder of their commitment to the cause.

This process of engaging others builds trust and experience for future partnership building. As the relationship deepens in trust (just like your marriage) you will grow more comfortable in applying the same loving approach with others on your team. Give it a try!