Changing Organizational Culture

05/04/2015

Changing Organizational Culture

When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
Alexander Den Heijer

In her Harvard Business Review article (October 2001), "Radical Change, the Quiet Way," Debra Meyerson describes these methods for pushing cultural changes through an organization:

Disruptive Self-Expression: "Demonstrate your values through your language , dress, or behavior. People notice and talk - often becoming brave enough to try the change themselves. The more people talk, the greater the impact."

Verbal Jujitsu: "Jujitsu involves taking a force coming at you and redirecting it to change the situation. Employees who practice verbal jujitsu react to undesirable, demeaning statements or actions by turning them into opportunities for change that others will notice."

Strategic Alliance Building: "Gain clout by working with allies. Enhance your legitimacy and implement change more quickly and directly than you could alone. Don't make 'opponents' enemies -- they are often your best source of support and resources."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.