Culture Eats Vision For Lunch

When John Maxwell penned the words "Culture eats vision for lunch," he was sharing a fundamental truth that transcends the confines of the corporate world. Your company's vision—no matter how grand or inspiring—stands no chance unless it's backed by a robust, authentic culture. Think about it: you can plaster motivational slogans across every available surface in the office, but if leadership isn't living those words, they are just that—words on walls.

Let’s consider what this means in practice. When leaders embrace and exhibit the company's core values through their actions, they send a strong, unambiguous message to their team. It's easy to say, "We value integrity," but unless leaders are consistently modeling this through their decisions and interactions, the message falls flat. Employees quickly become disillusioned when they notice a chasm between what’s preached and what’s practiced.

Effective leaders understand that culture is built brick by brick. It's in the small, everyday actions that collectively define the ethos of an organization. Consistency is key!  Leadership must embody the principles they wish to see reflected throughout the company. This means aligning every decision, every action, and every word with the established values. When leaders walk the talk, it fosters trust and inspires employees to do the same.

Messaging also plays a crucial role. Clear, consistent, and transparent communication from the top down ensures that everyone in the organization is aligned with the vision and values. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels they are part of something bigger than themselves, where their contributions are valued, and where they believe in the direction the company is heading.

In essence, a vision without culture is like a ship without a rudder. It may be a beautiful, state-of-the-art vessel, but without the right culture to steer it, it will drift aimlessly. Building a positive, resilient culture isn't easy. It requires dedication, authenticity, and, above all, consistent action from leadership.

So, take this time out to reflect on your organization. Are your walls covered with empty words, or do your actions echo the culture you aim to create?

Remember, culture eats vision for lunch, so serve up a culture that’s worthy of your vision.