Culture is what you cultivate

Written By Neryl East

If you lead a public-facing organisation or business, there’s a good chance you’re feeling community heat like never before.

Recently I attended the online Lead with Civility Summit – an enlightening event on the global rise of toxic behaviour and how each leader can respond.

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a magic remote control that allows you to re-program a cranky person – perhaps a customer, community member or even an employee – who resorts to nastiness and personal attacks when they don’t like what you do?

Nice idea, but of course it’s fantasy. 

The Summit reminded me that it’s crucial for every leader to role model civil behaviour in each interaction – even when you’re under attack. That’s the only way to start turning the tide and reshape culture.

Interestingly, the origin of “culture” is tending or cultivating. The concept moved from working with soil to cultivating the mind, faculties and manners.

If there’s toxicity in or around your organisation, you get to choose what you cultivate – which in turn influences everyone you lead. Some nuggets from Summit speakers: 

  • Move from conviction addition to compassionate scepticism. Rather than digging in your heels when someone confronts you, listen deeply to what they’re really asking. Be curious, not furious.

  • At the heart of most disputes lies a shared desire for respect and dignity. Dig to that level and now you’ve got something to build on.

  • Leaders must live civility, not just demand it from others. Not everyone will agree with you. Alignment is the key, not agreement. Once you’re heading in the same direction, different views can enhance, not hamper.

As a credible leader, you have more impact than you realise in low-trust, toxic situations. How you show up matters. A lot.

And related to this, I’ve just uploaded a new video on “How to spot a crisis before it happens”. Does the culture of your organisation enable you to quickly address negative issues? If not, you could be heading for a big reputation headache.

Watch the video here:  https://youtu.be/LkSfP9xBzcU

Neryl East
Neryl East is a reputation, communication and media expert who shows businesses and organisations how to stand out - for the right reasons! EDUCATION: PhD in Journalism, University of Wollongong Master of Arts, University of Wollongong Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAFE NSW) International Certificate of Public Participation (IAP2) EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Director - Neryl East Communications Pty Limited Manager Communications and Public Relations - Wollongong City Council Manager Media and Communications - Shellharbour City Council Head of Communications and Marketing - Australian War Memorial Lecturer and tutor - University of Wollongong Lecturer - APM College of Business and Communication Manager External Relations - University of Western Sydney Freelance journalist - The Australian, ABC, Southern Cross Television, Prime Television News Director - WIN Television, Western NSW Journalist/producer/presenter - WIN Television, Wollongong Journalist/producer - Radio 2CH INTERESTS: Netball umpiring, theatre, travel
http://neryleast.brandyourself.com/
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