Building Better Cultures

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of disconnection in the workplace with guests Susie Leacy and Kevin Empey. They explore the impact of remote work on employee connection, the role of leadership in fostering a cohesive culture, and the importance of intentional strategies to build relationships among employees. The conversation also touches on the multi-generational workforce and the need for organizations to adapt their communication and engagement strategies to meet diverse needs. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that connection is a shared responsibility between leaders and employees, and that fostering a culture of connection is essential for organizational success.    Takeaways  Disconnection is a significant challenge in modern workplaces.  Connection is essential for productivity and resilience.  Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering connection.  Organizations must adapt to maintain engagement in remote work settings.  Intentional strategies are needed to create opportunities for connection.  The multi-generational workforce presents unique challenges and opportunities.  Onboarding processes should focus on building community and connection.  Employees have a role in co-creating workplace culture.  Flexibility in work arrangements comes with shared responsibility.  Connection should be prioritized over merely addressing disconnection.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Disconnection in the Workplace  04:47 Understanding the Challenge of Disconnection  09:01 The Importance of Connection in Modern Work  12:03 Bridging the Gap: Building Cohesion and Engagement  16:15 Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce  21:55 Intergenerational Connections in Care Settings  24:35 Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace  29:42 Intentional Onboarding and Cultural Integration  33:06 Creating Community in a Hybrid Work Environment  39:13 Co-Creating Culture: The Role of Employees and Leaders 

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of accountability for values with guests Karen Jones and Karen Hackett. They explore the importance of articulating and embedding organizational values, the role of managers in fostering a culture of accountability, and the potential pitfalls of weaponizing values in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the significance of onboarding processes and the need for open communication and feedback within organizations.    Takeaways  Accountability for values is a significant challenge for many organizations.  Values must be articulated and understood to be effectively lived.  Creating a culture of feedback is essential for accountability.  Managers play a pivotal role in releasing the energy of their teams.  Onboarding processes should embed values from the start.  Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations about values.  Values can be weaponized, leading to defensiveness in feedback.  Organizations need to be bold about their current culture and desired future state.  Storytelling can help connect employees to organizational values.  Time is a critical factor in enabling managers to engage with their teams.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Accountability for Values  01:24 Understanding Organizational Culture  04:18 Insights from the Mind the Gap Report  06:19 Bringing Values to Life  11:03 Accountability in Practice  17:17 Weaponization of Values in the Workplace  22:16 Building a High-Performance Culture  24:53 The Role of Managers in Organizational Success  30:01 Empowering Middle Managers  37:22 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership  37:49 Effective Onboarding Practices   

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the third challenge from the Mind the Gap research report, focusing on the importance of learning and development in organizations. Joined by guests Barbara Carroll and Lisa Melody, they explore the significance of multi-generational workforces, the effectiveness of peer learning, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their training methods and embrace diverse learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of their employees. In this conversation, Scott McInnes, Lisa Melody, and Barbara Carroll discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, mentoring, and the integration of AI in shaping future skills. They explore how organizations can foster growth through stretch assignments and collaborative decision-making, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in streamlining learning processes.  📘 Download Mind the Gap Report: https://www.inspiringchange.ie/mindthegap   Takeaways  Organizations are grappling with similar challenges in learning and development. Learning should be a core value within organizations. Different learning methods can enhance employee development. Peer-based learning fosters collaboration and accountability. Mentoring, including reverse mentoring, is increasingly valuable. Leaders must model a commitment to their own learning. Creating space for learning is essential for employee development. Understanding the 'why' behind training increases motivation. Simple interventions can lead to significant improvements in learning. Embedding learning in organizational culture is crucial for success. Learning is about practical experience, not just courses. The 70-20-10 model emphasizes learning through daily activities. Stretch assignments can significantly enhance learning. Mentoring plays a crucial role in development. Engaging leaders fosters a collaborative culture. AI can help identify skills needed for future roles, streamline learning needs assessments and enable more efficient learning material creation. Reflection on learning is essential for growth. The future of learning will be more personalized through AI.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research 03:53 The Importance of Learning in Organizations 09:48 Dynamic Training and Peer Learning 16:14 Multi-Generational Workforces and Mentoring 20:04 Leadership's Role in Cultivating Learning Cultures 28:05 Redefining Learning and Development 33:10 The Role of AI in Future Skills 43:43 Embracing Change in Learning Environments 

  Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenges faced by mid-management in organizations, drawing insights from the Mind the Gap research report. Guests Katy Lumsden and Neil O'Brien share their experiences and perspectives on the evolving roles of managers and leaders, the importance of culture, and the need for effective communication and training. The conversation highlights the significance of psychological safety, resilience, and the necessity for managers to engage in tough conversations while fostering a supportive environment.     Takeaways  The mid-management layer faces unique challenges from both above and below.  Commonalities in organizational challenges can provide reassurance and strength.  Leadership and management roles are increasingly blurred in modern organizations.  Managers need to be equipped with tools to foster culture and engagement.  The say-do gap highlights discrepancies between senior leadership intentions and managerial actions.  Tough conversations are essential for growth but often avoided due to fear.  Psychological safety is misunderstood and misapplied in many organizations.  Resilience in younger generations may differ from previous cohorts.  Effective management requires understanding individual team members deeply.  Training for managers should focus on practical skills for modern challenges.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research  05:04 The Role of Mid-Management  08:39 Leadership vs. Management  16:18 Culture Multipliers vs. Bottlenecks  21:58 Shifting Mindsets in Management  23:37 Navigating the Transition from Peer to Manager  29:42 The Importance of Role Modelling in Leadership  31:51 Addressing Difficult Conversations  38:47 Resilience in Leadership and Generational Differences  44:37 Skills for Modern Leadership in a Hybrid World    Mind the Gap Research: https://bit.ly/3WMlS4C    What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety: https://hbr.org/2025/05/what-people-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety         

Episode Summary In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Denise Black and Denis Doolan to explore the critical role of leadership in shaping organisational culture. Together, they unpack insights from the Mind the Gap report — highlighting the importance of intentionality, inclusivity, and the need for leaders to embody the culture they wish to create. The conversation delves into the consequences of neglecting culture, the essential capabilities leaders must develop, and the collaborative process of defining a target culture that aligns with organisational strategy. The episode wraps up with reflections on how leadership drives cultural change and performance across teams. Key Takeaways Leaders have a disproportionate impact on organisational culture. Inclusivity is essential for effective culture creation. Culture should be woven into the strategic DNA of the organisation. Empathy and active listening are critical leadership skills. Culture is not a standalone initiative — it enables all initiatives. Intentionality in leadership is crucial for cultural success. Feedback from employees is vital in shaping target culture. Communication reinforces culture and values. Leaders must model the behaviours they wish to see. A strong culture leads to better organisational performance. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Leadership and Culture 04:28 — Insights from the Mind the Gap Report 09:24 — The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture 15:12 — Consequences of Abdicating Culture to HR 19:19 — Essential Capabilities for Senior Leaders 30:39 — Defining Target Culture 37:23 — Impact of Leadership on Cultural Change Resources 📘 Download the Mind the Gap report → bit.ly/4nT9jAo

SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Sadhbh O'Flaherty takes over the mic to interview Scott McInnes about his recent research titled 'Mind the Gap.' The research explores the cultural challenges organisations face today, particularly through the lens of Chief People Officers (CPOs) in Ireland. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the research, key findings, and actionable insights for organisations looking to improve their culture. Key themes include leadership skill and will, the role of managers, the importance of learning and development, accountability for values, and the challenge of disconnection in the workplace. Scott emphasises the need for intentionality in creating a strong organisational culture that aligns with business strategies.  Mind The Gap Research: http://bit.ly/4gXtNp2    TAKEAWAYS Connection among HR leaders is crucial.  Understanding culture challenges requires frontline insights.  Leaders set the tone for organisational culture.  Everyone in the organization owns the culture.  Managers play a key role in translating values to teams.  Learning should be prioritized beyond formal courses.  Accountability for values strengthens organisational culture.  Feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.  Intentionality is key in fostering workplace connections.  Culture impacts business outcomes significantly.    CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Research 02:02 The Motivation Behind the Research 04:28 Leadership Skill and Will 06:55 The Manager Factor 10:54 Skills for Today and Tomorrow 15:09 Accountability for Values 20:54 The Challenge of Disconnection 27:22 Surprises from the Research 29:18 Connecting Themes to Business Outcomes 32:34 Actionable Steps for Organisations 

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Catherine Fallon about the critical role of change communication in organizations undergoing transformation. Catherine shares her extensive experience in employee engagement and change management, emphasizing the importance of building trust and aligning stakeholders during periods of change. The conversation explores effective strategies for communicating change, the role of middle management, the significance of storytelling, and the necessity of engaging change agents to foster a supportive environment. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the need for honesty and transparency in communication to ensure successful change implementation.  Takeaways  Change communication is about building trust, not just issuing messages.  Effective change communication aligns people towards a common goal.  Resistance can cripple change programs if not managed properly.  Honesty and transparency are critical in change communication.  Middle management plays a vital role in translating change for their teams.  Stakeholder analysis is essential to understand different perspectives.  Stories can make change relatable and resonate with employees.  Engaging change agents helps to influence and support the change process.  Regular communication updates are necessary, even if there is no new information.  Treating employees like adults fosters a culture of trust and engagement.    Sound Bites  "It's not what you do, it's how you do it."  "Change is always going to happen in an organization."  "Building trust with the people going through the change."  "The worst case is resistance and friction."  "You want to know where the pockets of resistance are."  "Being honest and open is critical."  "Treat your employees like adults and don't infantilize them."  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Change Communications  02:51 Catherine Fallon's Career Journey  05:45 The Importance of Change Communication  08:49 Effective Change Communication Strategies  12:09 The Role of Middle Management in Change  15:05 Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives  17:49 The Power of Storytelling in Change  21:04 Engaging Change Agents and Influencers  23:57 Final Thoughts on Honesty in Change Communication   

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Clare Duffield, Assistant Chief Officer for People and Organisational Development at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). They discuss the importance of workplace culture, the challenges faced by policing globally, and the insights gained from a cultural audit conducted within PSNI. Clare shares the findings of the audit, highlighting both concerns and strengths within the organisation, and emphasises the need for trust, recognition, and support in fostering a positive culture. The conversation concludes with practical steps for implementing cultural change and the significance of connecting employees to the organisation's mission and purpose.    Takeaways  Workplace culture is about the experience of employees.  A clear mission and purpose are essential for organizational culture.  Cultural audits can reveal both strengths and weaknesses.  Trust and transparency are crucial for employee engagement.  Recognition of achievements boosts morale and culture.  Leadership visibility fosters trust within the organization.  Cultural change requires time and commitment from leadership.  Engaging employees in the change process is vital.  Understanding the context of culture is important for effective change.  Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements.    Sound Bites  "Culture is what's it like to work here?"  "We have to be able to give back."  "Trust starts with human connection."  "It's about the person behind the uniform."  "One step at a time. Marginal gains."  "We need to invest in the police service."  "Focus on the why. Why does it exist?"    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest  02:54 Understanding Workplace Culture  06:02 The Impact of Global Policing Challenges  08:56 Cultural Audit and Its Findings  11:48 Addressing Cultural Concerns  15:11 Positive Aspects of the Workforce  17:55 Building Trust and Support  20:49 Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements  23:45 Practical Steps for Cultural Change  27:02 Looking Forward: Implementing Change  29:58 Final Thoughts on Culture Change   

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Dara Connolly, CEO of Common Purpose Ireland, about the evolving role of leadership in today's organizations. They discuss the importance of connection, self-awareness, and the need for leaders to adapt in a post-COVID world. Dara shares insights on practical strategies for effective leadership, the significance of mentoring, and the impact of good leadership on society. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to be open, curious, and engaged in their communities to foster positive change.  Takeaways  Connection is essential for effective leadership.  Leaders must adapt to the changing landscape post-COVID.  Practical networking is about building genuine relationships.  Self-awareness is crucial for leadership development.  Surrounding oneself with mentors enhances leadership skills.  Creativity can be found in all professions.  Good leadership contributes to societal change.  Leaders should be open to new experiences and perspectives.  Awareness precedes action in leadership decisions.  Building trust is fundamental to successful leadership.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Learning  02:45 The Role of Connection in Leadership  05:51 Adapting Leadership in a Post-COVID World  09:10 Practical Tips for Effective Connection  12:12 Building Leader Capability for the Future  14:50 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Mindset  17:58 The Power of Good Leadership in Society  20:52 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Connection    Sound Bites  "Get together, we are stronger."  "Creativity is everywhere."  "Awareness precedes action."  "Do good feels good."  "Keep your mind open to opportunities."  "Surround yourself with mentors."  "A coach, an apprentice, and a Jedi." 

Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Lorna McAdoo, head of ESG at Version One, about the importance of organizational culture, the role of ESG in shaping that culture, and strategies for enhancing employee engagement, especially in a post-COVID world. They discuss the significance of listening to employees, integrating ESG into daily operations, and the potential of neurodiversity in the workplace. Lorna emphasizes the need for organizations to be flexible and proactive in creating an inclusive environment that fosters connection and collaboration among employees.    Key Points Culture is hugely important for organizational success.  Engagement and culture start from the ground up.  ESG initiatives can enhance employee engagement.  Creating real reasons for employees to come to the office is essential.  Flexibility in work arrangements can tap into diverse talent pools.  Listening to employees is key to building a supportive culture.  ESG can be a powerful tool for culture building.  Organizations need to think outside the box for talent acquisition.  The integration of ESG into daily operations is crucial.  Neurodiversity should be embraced as a valuable talent pool.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast  02:26 Understanding Organizational Culture  06:41 The Role of ESG in Organizations  12:45 Engagement Strategies Post-COVID  18:38 Integrating ESG into Daily Operations  24:53 The Importance of Neurodiversity in the Workplace   

Summary  In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of non-verbal communication in leadership, the journey of a brain hacker, the power of subconscious storytelling, the role of empathy in communication, and the science behind influence through mirroring and rapport. They emphasize that effective leadership requires understanding and harnessing these elements to create a positive organizational culture. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of influence, decision-making, resilience, and leadership. They explore how to effectively negotiate by understanding body language and the importance of gut instincts in decision-making. The discussion also emphasizes the need for mental resilience through acceptance and positivity, especially in challenging times. Finally, the speakers highlight the significance of authenticity in leadership, advocating for genuine connections with team members.    Takeaways  99.9999% of leaders leave communication skills on the table.  Leadership is a mindset, not a position.  Cultural leadership involves leading teams effectively.  Subconscious behaviors drive our actions and decisions.  Storytelling is crucial for effective communication.  Empathy is essential in today's volatile world.  Tactical empathy can enhance leadership effectiveness.  Understanding non-verbal communication is vital for leaders.  Influence is built on trust and rapport.  Effective storytelling involves hooks, tension, and payoffs. Influence can be achieved through understanding and mirroring body language.  Trusting your gut instinct can lead to better decision-making.  Life is messy, and accepting that can lead to personal growth.    Chapters  00:00 Unlocking Non-Verbal Communication in Leadership  05:07 The Journey of a Brain Hacker  09:49 The Power of Subconscious Storytelling  14:59 Empathy and Communication in Leadership  20:01 Influence Through Mirroring and Rapport  21:30 The Art of Influence and Negotiation  23:12 Trusting Your Gut: The Role of Instinct in Decision-Making  28:42 Building an Unbreakable Mind: Acceptance and Positivity  37:53 Authenticity in Leadership: The Key to Connection 

Summary  In this episode, the conversation delves into the intricacies of workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of leadership, purpose, and employee wellbeing. The speakers discuss how culture is shaped by the behaviours tolerated within an organization and the critical role leaders play in modelling desired behaviours. They explore the challenges faced by middle management and the necessity of empowering employees to take charge of their wellbeing. The discussion highlights the need for intentionality in fostering connections and trust within teams, ultimately leading to a stronger organizational culture.    Takeaways  Your culture is defined by the worst behaviour you tolerate. Purpose should be central to organizational culture. Leaders play a crucial role but are not the sole influencers of culture. Middle management faces unique challenges in today's work environment. Wellbeing initiatives must be integrated into the organizational culture. Building trust is essential for effective communication. Employees should be empowered to lead wellbeing initiatives. Intentionality in interactions fosters better connections. Storytelling can enhance the understanding of purpose in work. Giving employees a voice is key to building a strong culture.      Chapters  00:00 Understanding Workplace Culture 03:07 The Role of Purpose in Organizations 06:03 Leadership and Culture Dynamics 09:00 Middle Management Challenges 11:51 Wellbeing in the Workplace 14:47 Building Trust and Connection 18:11 Empowering Employees for Wellbeing 21:04 Creating a Strong Organizational Culture 

When 20 senior leaders from 9 countries gathered in the heart of Mumbai, the lessons weren't found in PowerPoint decks—they were found in the streets, in conversation, and in shared moments of discomfort and growth. In this episode, Scott McInnes reflects on his experience with the Common Purpose Senior Leader Programme, exploring how a city of contrasts challenged his assumptions, highlighted the power of diversity, and deepened his understanding of bias and empathy. A story about leadership that unfolds not in loud declarations—but in quiet, meaningful shifts.

Episode Summary  In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Jonathan Reed, CEO of Paddy and Scott's Coffee, to discuss the company's incredible transformation over the past three years. Jonathan shares his journey from employee to owner through a management buyout (MBO) and the challenges he faced in reshaping the organisation's leadership and culture.  With a strong focus on communication, trust, and a people-first approach, Jonathan highlights how visibility, vulnerability, and fun play crucial roles in creating an engaged and motivated workforce. He also delves into the company's commitment to social impact, ensuring that business success translates into meaningful contributions to coffee-growing communities.  This episode is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of responsible commerce to create real change.    Key Takeaways  Transitioning from employee to owner is a profound leadership shift.  The MBO process is challenging but ultimately rewarding.  Clear communication and trust-building are crucial for a successful transition.  Leaders must be visible, present, and engaged with their teams.  A great workplace culture includes fun as a key performance indicator.  People—not just coffee—are at the heart of Paddy and Scott's business.  Strategic planning should involve and empower employees.  Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, in leadership.  Businesses have a responsibility to make a positive social impact.  The future of Paddy and Scott's is built on responsible commerce and community support.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Background   08:54 Impact of MBO on Leadership and Culture   19:45 Emphasizing People Over Profit   34:52 Future Vision and Social Impact  

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Jenni Field, CEO of Redefining Communications, to discuss her new book Nobody Believes You and the critical role of credibility in leadership. They explore the eight interconnected practices that define credible leadership and examine how leaders can navigate post-pandemic organisational challenges with empathy, integrity, and self-awareness.  Jenni shares research-backed insights on how leaders can build trust, foster a supportive culture, and adapt their communication styles to strengthen their credibility. From balancing vulnerability with professionalism to embracing feedback as a tool for growth, this conversation offers practical strategies for leaders looking to inspire confidence and drive meaningful change.    KEY POINTS Credibility is the foundation of leadership—without it, leaders struggle to gain trust and influence.  Post-COVID leadership requires a shift towards empathy, integrity, and adaptability.  The eight practices of credible leadership work together—leaders must develop all of them to be truly effective.  Leaders must be intentional about communication, self-awareness, and feedback to maintain credibility.  A strong organisational culture is built through supportive leadership and a clear vision.  Empathy is not just an inherent trait—it's a skill that can be developed and strengthened.    ABOUT JENNI FIELD Jenni Field is an international speaker, author, podcaster, researcher, and business communications strategist. She specializes in helping teams and leaders use communication to take people and organisations from chaos to calm.   From Canada to Slovenia, you'll find her talking about credible leadership, relationships at work, and how to be more impactful with your communication.   A well-respected thought-leader in the communications industry, she is known for her optimistic outlook, energy, and honesty on any stage she is speaking on.   Jenni's podcast, Redefining Communications with Jenni Field, provides short 15-minute episodes focusing on different business topics and providing advice to help organizations go from chaos to calm.   In 2021 published her first book Influential Internal Communication.    Jenni has led several research projects to help organisations tackle some of their biggest challenges; In 2019 she carried out the only research into communication with deskless workers, repeating it in 2023 to see the impact of the pandemic on frontline teams.    Her research in 2021 explored the role of line managers and in 2023 she researched the different practices that make a leader credible – leading to the publication of Nobody Believes You; Become a Leader People Will Follow.      SOCIAL LINKS Redefining Communications website Jenni's LinkedIn Instagram: @Jennifield X: @mrsjennifield     REFERENCE LINKS Books by Jenni Redefining Comms Research Reports  Redefining Communications Podcast

Episode Summary:  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes interviews Eimear Marrinan, VP of People Experience at HubSpot, about how HubSpot has built and maintained a thriving corporate culture.   The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work, the role of feedback and transparency, and the importance of intentionality in fostering meaningful employee engagement. Eimear shares practical advice and insights into aligning company values with the needs of employees and customers alike.  Key Takeaways:  HubSpot's culture code acts as a guiding principle for hiring, management, and decision-making.  Constructive, candid feedback fosters personal and organisational growth.  Remote and hybrid work require intentional strategies for communication, engagement, and productivity.  Managers need upskilling and support to lead effectively in dynamic work environments.  Culture is an evolving product shaped by data, feedback, and leadership alignment.  Aligning leadership around core principles enhances company mission and employee connection.  Challenges faced by Big Tech reveal the need to balance employee well-being with business priorities.    Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast  07:01 HubSpot's Culture Code and Its Importance  12:05 Feedback and Transparency in Organisational Culture  20:04 Intentionality in Communication and Management  25:44 The Importance of Intentionality in Management  36:01 Balancing Family Culture with Business Needs   

EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode, Scott discusses the power of storytelling in organisations with Des Moore and Shelly Hayward from The Cumberland Building Society. They explore the importance of a common narrative during transformation, the co-creation process that engaged employees, and the significance of events like Cumberland Calling in celebrating the organisation's story. The conversation emphasises the need for authenticity, emotional connection, and the ongoing evolution of the narrative as the organisation continues its journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS Storytelling is critical for effective communication in organisations. A common narrative helps unify employees during transformation. Co-creation of the story fosters ownership and engagement. Emotional connection is key to engaging employees. Leadership involvement ensures authenticity and inspires trust. TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Organisations 02:19 Transformation Journey at Cumberland Building Society 07:10 The Importance of a Common Narrative 10:34 Co-Creation of the Cumberland Story 16:47 Cumberland Calling: Celebrating the Story 21:52 Engaging Leaders and Customers in the Narrative 27:15 The Positivity: Celebrating Pride in the Organisation 32:17 Continuing the Story: Future Directions

Episode Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes welcomes Tim Threipland from FranklinCovey to discuss the critical role of trust in organisational culture and leadership. They explore how trust impacts performance, the effects of the pandemic on work culture, and the importance of intentionality in building high-trust environments. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to extend trust, create psychological safety, and navigate the complexities of hybrid work. Tim emphasises that trust is not just a soft skill but a vital component of business success, urging leaders to focus on measurable outcomes and engage employees in the process of building a trusting culture.  Key Takeaways Trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership and thriving organisational cultures. High-trust cultures foster agility, leading to faster decision-making and improved performance metrics. Trust is not just a soft skill—it's a measurable and critical business outcome. The pandemic has spotlighted vulnerabilities in organisational cultures, offering opportunities for growth. Fear-driven, control-oriented leadership erodes trust and limits organisational potential. Psychological safety is the foundation of trust and must be intentionally nurtured within teams. Leaders must actively design and sustain cultures that prioritise trust to achieve long-term success. Employees play a vital role in trust-building by clearly communicating their needs, contributions, and feedback. Trust flourishes through consistent, transparent communication and alignment of expectations. Extending trust as the default approach empowers teams and reinforces a culture of mutual respect. Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 05:02 Understanding Trust in Organizations 11:53 The Impact of the Pandemic on Work Culture 18:01 Navigating Fear and Control in Leadership 25:10 Building High Trust Cultures 29:52 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts 

Have you ever witnessed patterns of communication that didn't seem helpful or productive in your teams? Leadership and communication go hand in hand, and who better to unravel this intricate relationship than Marsha Acker. As the CEO of Team Catapult, Marsha understands that there is more to leadership than just technical prowess; it's about understanding people dynamics and creating a safe environment for open and honest communication.  Throughout the episode, Marsha dives into the complexities of leadership and effective communication within teams, self-awareness challenges and discusses the significant shift from individual to systemic thinking, shedding light on the growing popularity of team coaching. Key discussions include: 1.     A self-leadership quest: How to work with other humans 2.     An insight into communication dynamics and the four speech acts 3.     Communication patterns in teams and organisations 4.     The principle of bringing offline conversations into the room 5.     Are leaders holding back from being vulnerable at work? 6.     The edge of leaders in navigating fast-paced business environments 7.     Change management: The importance of explaining the why   8.     The evolution of team coaching and the benefits of coaching as a system 9.     Recommendations for leaders navigating change Plus lots more! With a focus on the evolving nature of leadership in today's fast-paced environment, Marsha emphasises the importance of embracing vulnerability and diverse perspectives. This episode will help leaders drive positive change, improve communication, and build better organisational cultures by understanding speech acts, introducing shared language, and focusing on team dynamics. "It's impossible, I think, for any one person to be able to have all the answers anymore. But yet, I think that's an edge. I think it's leftover from what we believe we think about leaders and what they're supposed to be able to do, to what they need to do today." – Marsha Acker. ABOUT MARSHA ACKER LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-acker-3486a72/ Book: https://buildyourmodel.com/ Work: https://teamcatapult.com/ ABOUT SCOTT McINNES:  Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here.  ABOUT WORKVIVO:   If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it!  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com

Can clear communication and the power of the pen have a transformative impact on your business? Absolutely! Get ready to discover all the 'write stuff' as we explore the influence of intentional communication with the founder of High-Value Writing, Erin Lebaqz. In this episode, Erin takes an in-depth look at how leaders can foster trust, respect, and belonging through thoughtful and deliberate writing, creating an environment where people feel supported and acknowledged. Being a good writer isn't solely about getting your message across; it's also about understanding your audience. Erin emphasizes the importance of considering different cultures and generations in your writing and unveils the role of emotion, including the surprising credibility boost that can come from emojis. Key discussions include: The power of writing and the cost of miscommunication Clarity: The key to confusion-free communication Effective communication in a post-pandemic work environment Leadership Models: Can written communication impact organisational culture? Write like a leader: Tips on mastering intentional writing The rising role of emotion in writing Writing for you VS writing for others The key to unlocking your writing confidence  Plus lots more! Erin provides all the tips for avoiding the high cost of miscommunication and shares the secret to boosting your writing confidence, reminding us that writing is situational, which we are all experts on. So, hit play now and get ready to build better cultures through the written word! "The biggest connection in today's world between writing and business success is employee retention. People leave workplaces when they don't feel happy or appreciated or their growth is cared about. And where do we get those messages, through communication." – Erin Lebaqz. ABOUT ERIN LEBAQZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlebacqz/ Work: https://www.highvaluewriting.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@HighValueWriting   Get the High-Value Writing book: https://www.amazon.com/High-Value-Writing-Real-Strategies-Real-World/dp/1667805517 ABOUT SCOTT McINNES:  Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here.  ABOUT WORKVIVO:   If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration.  If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it!  This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com