What is the purpose of culture?
This reflection was inspired by the article ‘Being cultured… ‘ by Devdutt Pattanaik, which appeared in ET on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Culture is at the core of everything we do professionally at Regal Unlimited in leadership and coaching. But culture is much bigger. Even more significant than ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast.’ Having studied Indian Culture and Values as one of the subjects in PG and having worked with corporations for the last 30 years, I am convinced that culture is more important than we tend to conceive.
The culture of excellence is something very different at our places of work.
All leadership is deep, self-work, and all coaching is self-transformation. Similarly, culture permeates every level of our existence!
Culture influences leadership styles and practices, shaping how leaders interact with their teams, make decisions, and drive organizational success.
Here are four ways culture influences leadership, with examples from American, European, Japanese, and Indian contexts:
1. Communication Style
‘Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable — and one of the least understood.’
Communication is at the core of our existence. Every being in the ecosystem, animals, birds, plants & trees constantly communicate. We are blessed with the ability to talk. But more often a skill underutilized or misused! @Yuval Noah Harari makes an interesting observation about it in his masterpiece, Sapiens.
American Example: In the United States, communication is often direct and explicit. Leaders are expected to be clear, assertive, and open in communication. This approach fosters a culture of transparency and efficiency.
Example Story: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his direct and sometimes blunt communication style. This helped create a high-performance and innovation culture at Apple, where employees were clear about expectations and the company’s vision.
It assumes a different perspective in the context of the ongoing presidential race!
“We are stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share.”
2. Decision-Making Process
Leadership is all about taking action and making decisions. Not getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
European Example (Germany): In Germany, the decision-making process is typically thorough and systematic, reflecting the value placed on structure and precision. Leaders often involve multiple stakeholders and rely on detailed analysis before making decisions.
Example Story: At Siemens, a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, decisions are made through a meticulous process involving extensive consultation and data analysis. This approach ensures well-informed and effective decisions, contributing to the company’s success.
3. Leadership Hierarchy
Japanese Example: Japanese leadership often emphasizes consensus and group harmony, with a preference for hierarchical structures and respect for seniority. Leaders are seen as caretakers of their employees, focusing on long-term stability and collective well-being.
Example Story: At Toyota, the leadership style known as “nemawashi” (laying the groundwork) involves informal consensus-building before making formal decisions. This practice ensures that all stakeholders are on board and that decisions are implemented smoothly, reflecting the Japanese value of harmony.
4. Work-Life Balance and Employee Welfare
Indian Example: In India, leadership often reflects a paternalistic approach, where leaders are seen as guardians of their employees’ welfare. This includes not only professional development but also personal well-being, with an emphasis on community and family values.
Example Story: At Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, the leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the welfare of employees and their families. This is evident in their extensive social programs, healthcare initiatives, and educational scholarships, creating a strong sense of employee loyalty and commitment.
Conclusion
Understanding how culture influences leadership can help leaders adopt practices that resonate with their team’s values and expectations, ultimately driving better organizational outcomes. Each example above highlights how cultural nuances shape leadership styles and practices, providing valuable insights for leaders in a globalized world.
In the article, Devdutt concludes by asking, “What is the purpose of culture? To domesticate people or liberate the human mind?”
The latter, one who liberates the human mind, is a Guru. Happy Guru Poornima!
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
