Every successful organisation operates like a well-calibrated compass, pointing unerringly toward its “true north” – the values, principles, and goals that define its culture. But what happens when the needle wavers, or worse, spins aimlessly? This is where cultural turnarounds come into play, helping businesses rediscover their direction and align their teams to navigate toward shared success.
“If You Can’t Change the People, Then Change the People”
This phrase captures the core challenge of recalibrating a team’s direction. While training and coaching can help many individuals realign to the organisation’s culture, some may remain resistant. A successful cultural turnaround involves identifying who is willing to recalibrate and who may need to be replaced to ensure alignment.
Step 1: Recalibrate the Needle
Before addressing the team, leaders must establish the organisation’s “true north.” Ask:
- What are the non-negotiable values driving the business?
- What behaviours align with these values?
- How do we measure success culturally and operationally?
Step 2: Test Alignment
Evaluate each team member’s ability to align with the new direction:
- Are they committed to change?
- Do they demonstrate behaviours that reflect the culture’s values?
- Do they resist or contribute to progress?
Step 3: Navigate Tough Decisions
When individuals cannot or will not align with the organisation’s direction, leaders must make the difficult decision to move forward without them. This is not about punishment but about ensuring that the organisation has the right team to stay on course.
The Compass in Action: A Roadmap for Turnarounds
- Define True North: Articulate your cultural values and goals clearly. Use statements like:
- “We operate with integrity and transparency.”
- “We prioritise collaboration and shared accountability.”
- Align Leadership: Leaders are the compass bearers. Equip them with the tools to model the desired behaviours and reinforce the values consistently.
- Recalibrate the Team: Provide opportunities for individuals to adapt through training, open communication, and actionable feedback.
- Eliminate Misalignment: Address resistance directly and decisively. This may mean replacing individuals who cannot align with the culture.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step in the right direction builds confidence and reinforces alignment. Recognise team members who embody the values and behaviours driving the business forward.
A Cultural Turnaround in Practice
Consider a business struggling with misaligned values and fractured communication. Through a cultural assessment, leadership identifies that while some team members are eager to embrace change, others resist, creating bottlenecks. By defining their “true north,” the business recalibrates its culture, fostering openness and accountability. Leaders actively engage the team, offering support and clear expectations. Those who remain resistant are replaced with individuals who align with the organisation’s direction. Over time, the team operates cohesively, all moving toward the same goals.
The Power of a Well-Calibrated Culture
Cultural turnarounds are not about drastic overhauls but about resetting direction and realigning the team. When every team member knows where they’re headed and why, the organisation can navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
The compass analogy reminds us that culture is not static; it’s dynamic and requires ongoing attention. If you find you are struggling to align your team and move confidently toward success look to be guided by your true north.
