Episode 177 | How to Influence Culture from the Middle with Jenni Catron
In this week’s episode, Jenni answers a listener who emailed to ask, “I’m on the low end of middle management, and our company struggles with all four of the 4 blind spots. However, I feel powerless to do anything about it. What can I do to make a difference when I feel as though my input or desire to make the culture better has little or any value to those over me?”
It is not uncommon, if an organization has been under pressure, that there has been an erosion between their values and behavior. Staff members are responsible for protecting and defending the culture of the organization, and for creating and influencing the culture for their specific sphere of influence, and Jenni offers suggestions that anyone can use if you, too, are leading from the middle:
- Offer grace - your senior leader’s may not realize there is a culture issue
- Ask for clarity - hunt for the history of your organization's mission, vision, and values
- Answer “what’s right, what’s true, and what can I do?” - include other staff members in this conversation
- Celebrate when you see the values being lived out
- Model the values within your own sphere of influence
If you have a question for Jenni, or suggestions for the podcast, email it to: jenni@get4sight.com
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Resources:
Check out our 4Sight: Culture Blindspot Assessment. This survey will help you discover where you should be investing your time and efforts to make a bigger impact in your team. Our free assessment will help you identify your biggest culture blind spot so your team can thrive.
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