Leaders Intentionally Create Culture for Growth

People Experience Growth When Leaders Intentionally Create Culture

I recently attended my monthly ministers association meeting where we had a wonderful discussion about how leaders intentionally create culture. During the discussion time it was interesting to hear everyone share their thoughts and views of how they deal with the culture that’s within their own realm of leadership. But reflecting back on the meeting I thought about something:

Do leaders truly understand that they themselves are the ones who actually create the culture around them?

Any leader – parent, pastor, manager, etc – creates an atmosphere in their home, church, or business. Now I think we all know that, but do we ever think about it? I mean, really think about it. Are we considering what kind of environment we’re creating?

I know as a parent I saw my child pick up some of my habits and mannerisms – not all of which were good – but I wasn’t always aware of this. At least not consciously. There were times when my actions and standards were being “taught” to my child without me actively teaching anything.

So what I’ve become particularly aware of is that we as leaders can determine the culture we want. We just have to be intentional about it. Creating culture has to do with core values lived out and effectively communicated.

First we need to figure out (if we haven’t already) what our core values are – what do I think is important in my church, family, or business:

Are integrity, honesty, timeliness, teamwork, and open communications some of my values?
Are looking people in the eye while talking/listening to them and not using derogatory or demeaning phrases a couple of things I’d like to have in the culture around me?
What standards do you want maintained? Are these a part of your culture now? Could you make it even better if you communicated them to those you lead?

Fathering Leaders intentionally create culture as they communicate their core values to those they lead, but you have to “know them to show them.” I would encourage you to take some time and make a list of the core values you hold. Next, consider how well you are living these out and communicating them to others. As you do this, you empower those you lead to grow in new ways. Leaders, intentionally create culture around you – it’s your best tool.