| | FEBRUARY 2024MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionTHE RIGHT CULTURE DOESN'T HAPPEN BY MAGIC!By Erica Page, Global People Director, Resort Theme Parks & Midway Operating Groups, Merlin EntertainmentsIt is a dream come true working for a company that exists to create magical memorable experiences to tens of thousands of people every day. Yet, like all organisations, our culture didn't design itself.There are abracadabra moments, of course, but no short cuts. Instead, it requires continuous and careful management because our culture is the magical spell holding everything together.We know culture can make or break an organisation. It can accelerate growth, or it can be a barrier. Like any living thing, it needs constant nurturing, nourishment and even the occasional prune.You can feel the culture the minute you walk through the front gate of any business. Whether it be the values, behaviours, policies, procedures, systems, or any element of the company, it is the way we "do things" that really define the culture.Sometimes it is a magical experience, other times not. Just remember, there is magic everywhere, you just need to look for it. Whilst there are many aspects of a cultural framework, the following are my favourite starting points to creating magic in an organisation.1] Inspire the MagicOnce the company purpose, strategic direction and values are well understood, it is time to focus on amplifying a positive mood in the culture. Share strategy-in-action stories often, at the start of meetings or during individual conversations. Personally, I love to embed the ritual of a `value sharing story' at the beginning of each meeting.At every touch point of employee interaction, tell a story to create pride, passion, and inspiration. Sharing stories will create a deeper connection and a sense of belief in what the company stands for. The power of belief is what drives employees and determines how your company's story unfolds.After many years of attending leadership programs, the inevitable question always arises about "who has been an inspiring leader" in your career. Some talked about the leader who gave them confidence and encouragement or taught them well. However, most of the attendees agreed that the leaders who helped them believe in themselves were the ones who helped them achieve beyond their original aspirations. So, leaders should inspire magic and help people believe.2] Connect the MagicConnecting the magic requires companies to depend on relationships, collaboration, and communication. Any deficit in these areas will create a culture of disconnection. As leaders, we need to set up a culture that can turbocharge the strategy, where speed is your magical superpower. This can be achieved in multiple ways, such as supporting employees, sharing ideas, removing barriers, hierarchy, and red tape. "Once you start to change the culture of the company, everything else happens fast". Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCoAnother thought from our own CEO, Scott O'Neil from his book `Be Where Your Feet Are' talks about the concept of "Assuming Positive Intent (API)". This is a way of reframing interactions we have with each other. That short, abrupt email from your peer can take on several meanings, and you may Erica Page
< Page 7 | Page 9 >