Leadership Lens: Behaviour drives Culture, Culture drives Performance

The theory that “Behaviour drives Culture, Culture drives Performance” states that all levels of an organization’s culture are shaped by human actions and attitudes. It shapes organisational performance, from staff engagement to customer happiness and financial results. The collective behaviours of an organisation define its culture, which affects it’s ability to achieve strategic goals and succeed long-term.

It’s similar to how an architectural blueprint determines the structural integrity and aesthetics of a structure. Individual behaviours are the blueprint for an organization’s culture. This blueprint serves as the basis for the framework of performance, determining its strength, functionality, and, ultimately, success or failure in the face of adversity.

Fittingly, I helped an interior design studio enhance its culture last year. When we met to improve 1:1 design reviews, one of their Directors said,

“Jess, every line I draw is intentional and contributes to the design. All strokes are needed for success.”

I responded:

“And as a leader, every word you exchange with your designers contributes to your culture. All behaviours you demonstrate are needed for your studio’s success.”

We must not underestimate the impact that we as leaders have on corporate culture, as well as the impact that culture has on profitability. Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends report emphasises the relevance of organisational culture in attaining commercial success. According to their studies, 94% of executives and 88% of employees agree that a unique workplace culture is critical to corporate success.

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Walk before you run

Before addressing your ‘behaviour-culture-performance dilemma,’ define performance for yourself. Success looks like what? This could mean increased sales or work efficiency for some. Others prioritise profit margins or risk reduction. Would you rather boost employee engagement and reduce turnover?

Working with us:

We’ll help you set leadership programme goals initially. We methodically work on individual and communal attitudes and beliefs, then develop the team’s or organization’s purpose and values. This usually involves reviewing the charter and choosing which behaviours to promote and prohibit. Only then will we offer workshops and coaching sessions to strengthen these behavioural skills to help your people build a successful culture.

Piqued your interest? Get in touch or check out our Catalyst Program.

About the Author

Jessica Schubert

Cultural Transformation & Leadership Expert

Teams, individuals and organisations face different challenges. My mission is to listen, understand and tailor learning solutions that fit your cultural and organisational goals. My steps to transform people, culture and businesses:

Conversation

Listen and understand your challenges

Consult

Suggest tailored learning solutions

Co-create

Include leaders in the design process

Coach

Deliver, facilitate and coach

Consider

Feedback and go back to conversation

With over 25 years of corporate experience and leading large teams across Europe and Asia Pacific, I understand all facets of leadership. I leverage my experience of dealing with power dynamics and organisational complexities and blend it with proven leadership models, coaching theories and adult learning principles.