EA-Pros Week 20 - Assistants Revolutionizing Organizational Culture

"Culture does not change because we desire to change it. Culture changes when the organization is transformed; the culture reflects the realities of people working together every day." – Frances Hesselbein

Hey EA-Pros Community!

As we dive into this week's focus on transforming organizational culture, remember: that your role as a senior or executive-level assistant places you at the heart of this change. Together, we'll explore actionable strategies to mold a workplace culture that's not only vibrant but also a catalyst for innovation and growth.

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR ASSISTANTS 👇

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You are more than an admin, this program ensures you have the tools to show why assistants rule! Apply today to start reshaping your future.

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EA INSIGHTS

Key Insights to Help You Thrive!

Defining and Understanding Organizational Culture
Organizational culture is the heartbeat of your company. It’s more than just the values posted on the wall; it’s about how people behave and work together daily.

According to research by the American Psychological Association, companies with strong cultures have a turnover rate 48% lower than those with weaker cultures. This demonstrates the profound impact that a well-cultivated culture can have on organizational stability and employee loyalty.

Start by assessing the current culture: What behaviors are rewarded? What stories do people tell about your company? Understanding these nuances will help you pinpoint what needs to be nurtured or changed. This increases your value, as you will be able to offer critical insights as to how the organization can clearly define its cultural challenges and what needs to change in order to fix and advance the business.

Strategies for Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace
Inclusivity is critical for fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. This directly influences employee engagement levels and their overall contribution to the organization.

Behavioral science shows that inclusive teams make better business decisions up to 87% of the time. Studies from Deloitte also highlight that inclusive workplaces are six times more likely to be innovative and agile.

Create a mentorship program that pairs individuals from different backgrounds and departments. This not only breaks down silos but also builds a network of relationships across the company. Encourage teams to participate in 'reverse mentoring' where younger or less experienced employees mentor senior staff on areas like technology and current market trends.

The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture
Leaders are the architects of workplace culture. Their behaviors and decisions set the standard for the rest of the organization, influencing how all employees perceive and enact the company’s values.

Research by McKinsey & Company reveals that organizations where senior leaders model the behavior they expect to see are 5.3 times more likely to achieve productive and healthy cultures.

Work closely with your executives to set clear, visible examples of the desired culture. Encourage them to be accessible, to communicate openly, and to lead by example. Your role is pivotal in coordinating these efforts and ensuring that the leadership’s actions align with the cultural goals.

🔑 Valuable Resource
This week, I recommend checking out "The Culture Code" by Daniel Coyle. This book offers profound insights into successful group dynamics and how top organizations use culture as a key driver of success.

COACHING MOMENT

Ask an Executive Coach

Every week I take a question from you and provide a bit of strategic advice.

This week's question: "What strategic moves can I make to elevate our organizational culture?"