(Picture:  $4M Strategies™ Episode, releasing Monday, 8/19)

Strategy 4 Saturday Blog (<4 minute read)

Culture does it Again

In the midst of vacations and graduations, you may have missed this blog from June. As we re-launch our $4M Strategies, Strategy Culture week, I thought I would post this again because we received great feedback, and it has been top of mind for clients.

Another reason is that I am constantly reminded of the importance of People, Process, and Systems with companies. And it’s the first “P”, in People, that tends to cause the greatest challenges with business owners and investors. We find that for a significant part of my new clients, strategic obstacles revolve around this critical matter. If you don’t have your People, bought into YOUR culture, YOU have a problem. If YOU have C players, YOU are to blame. It is time to do something about it. Your growth and profitability depend on it.

Otherwise, your “Culture” breakfast will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

The experts this week (listed later in the blog) on our 4-minute, $4M Strategies podcast, will provide you great insights on how to enjoy your culture breakfast again.

Gallup StrengthsFinder and Culture

We have found the Gallup StrengthsFinder, aka, CliftonStrengths, as an incredible tool to not only see your strengths; but to also see the gaps in your culture. I am a Gallup Certified Coach, and our clients have found it an excellent way to connect on a deeper level with their team. But more importantly, learn how to improve communication, solve problems faster, and identify where to focus for future hires, filling the gaps within an organization.

Interested in doing a StrengthsFinder Matrix with your team? Simply reply to this email, and we will be happy to support you.

(Picture: Gallup, StrengthsFinder Team Matrix)

The Role of Culture

Culture is the foundation of any organization. It shapes how people interact, make decisions, and approach their work. A culture of trust is especially crucial. Without trust, it’s difficult to move forward with any plan. People need to feel safe and supported to take risks, innovate, and collaborate effectively. When trust is lacking, even the best strategies can falter because the execution will be flawed.

The Importance of Strategy

However, having a strong culture alone is not enough. If your strategy is weak or misguided, you’ll still end up going in the wrong direction, no matter how cohesive and motivated your team is. Strategy provides the roadmap. It aligns efforts, sets clear goals, and defines the path to achieving those goals.

The Synergy of Culture and Strategy

When you have a strong culture and a solid strategy, they reinforce each other. A culture of trust ensures that people do what they say they will do, making execution smoother and faster. It fosters alignment, so everyone is working towards the same objectives. Our Measure Success Podcast guest, Stephen M.R. Covey, author of the Speed of Trust, portrays clearly that when everyone is beating rowing the boat at the same speed, and direction, everyone moves faster together.

Why Strategy Matters

Strategy matters because it turns the potential of a strong culture into tangible results. With a clear strategy, your team knows where they are going and how to get there. It provides focus and direction, ensuring that efforts are not wasted.

Culture and strategy are both essential for business success. A great culture can amplify the effectiveness of your strategy, while a solid strategy can harness the power of a strong culture. It’s not a question of choosing one over the other, but rather understanding how they work together to drive your organization forward.

By managing both culture and strategy effectively, you create an environment where trust, alignment, and execution thrive, leading to sustainable success.

BIG NEWS coming in next week’s blog, stay tuned…..

(Picture: $4M Strategies™ logo

Did you know you can have the $4M Strategies™ daily, 4-minute podcast delivered right to your email? Sign up here!

The $4M Strategies™ theme for next week is Strategic Culture.

Mon., 8/19 – Carl J. Cox

Tues., 8/20  – Kris Ward (NEW)

Weds., 8/21 – JM Ryerson

Thurs., 8/22 – Trey Taylor

Fri., 8/23 – Mark S. Lewis

Measure Success Podcast: 

Tues., 8/20 Rick Jordan 

Thurs., 8/22 – Mickie Kennedy