The Shadow You Cast

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

The culture within an organization is most powerfully influenced and enforced by the leader of that organization. In fact, it is often said “the culture is the shadow of the leader” - and therefore it is the responsibility of the leader to fully be aware of what type of “shadow” they are casting.

How is an organization’s culture embedded and transmitted by leaders? In his book, “Organizational Culture and Leadership”, Edgar Schein provide some clues.

Primary ways culture is embedded by a leader:
      * What leaders pay attention to, measure, and expect on a daily/regular basis from their employees
      * How leaders respond to critical incidents, conflict and organizational crises
      * What types of questions leaders ask
      * What is deliberately role modeled, taught, and coached
      * How leaders allocate resources, rewards and status
      * How leaders select, promote and terminate individuals

Secondary ways culture is established and reinforcement by a leader:
      * How the organization is structured and designed
      * Systems and procedures used for daily activity and processes - How things are expected to get done.
      * Unwritten rites and rituals within the organization
      * Design of physical space, facades, and buildings - including the dress code
      * The type of stories told about people and events that have impacted the organization
      * Formal statements of organizational philosophy, values, and vision

As leaders, we are responsible for the culture within our teams and organizations. We cannot blame others - or blame the past - but must take responsibility to create the type of culture that is healthy - and one that facilitates ingenuity and creative growth.

*Reflecting on the above lists, what type of shadow is your leadership casting?