The Culture Clinic

Prepare to unravel a legal labyrinth that's shaking the foundations of entrepreneurial support for small businesses owned and operated by people with marginalized identities. In this episode, we dissect a court's groundbreaking verdict that could redefine the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Imagine a world where the term 'minority' is devoid of its historical context—three white men didn't have to imagine, they argued for it, and won. This episode scrutinizes their case against the Minority Business Development Agency and the resulting judicial decree that demands services be offered indiscriminately of race. I'll share my insights as a business psychologist on the ramifications for businesses rooted in communities that have long faced systemic hurdles.Venture back with me to an era that's more than a mere echo in today's struggles for equity—the Reconstruction Era. We'll dissect the sinister rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the economic shackles of sharecropping, and the political sabotage of newfound freedoms. These aren't just pages from history; they're the ancestors of current societal divides. As we explore the ideological pirouettes of major political parties, we'll understand how these shifts are not only relevant but vital to grasp amidst election fever. Join me for a contemplative journey through the shadows of Reconstruction and its lasting resonance in our quest for an equitable society.Check out these References/Sources:Federal judge orders minority-business agency opened to all racesFederal judge orders minority-business agency to service White people tooUnited States District Court for the Northern District of Texas Fort Worth DivisionSupreme Court guts affirmative action, effectively ending race-conscious admissionsWhen did Democrats and Republicans switch platforms?The Great Switch: How the Republican & Democratic Parties Flipped IdeologiesHead to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Confused about Heritage Months? Let's Talk.Black History Month just wrapping up, but some my wonder why don't we have a White History Month. We dive into the history and purpose of Heritage Months in the US, exploring their impact on diversity and inclusion.This episode gets real about the challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. We'll discuss the dangers of superficial gestures and emphasize the importance of celebrating the true complexity of our communities.And forget just checking a box! We'll explore how Heritage Months can be a springboard for deeper engagement and understanding. Imagine workplaces and communities where every identity is truly seen and valued, not just acknowledged once a year.Ready to go beyond the surface? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on Heritage Months and creating truly inclusive spaces. And don't forget to check out the additional resources below!For Further Exploration:US State Department: State Department Celebrates Heritage and History MonthsHarvard Heritage Months and Identity RecognitionsHistory.com: History - Black History Month History.com: Frederick DouglassCNN: Aramark Apologizes for Insensitivity of School Lunch Served on First day of Black History MonthPeople: IKEA Apologizes After Employees Protest Over Juneteenth Menu with Fried Chicken and WatermelonBusiness Insider: 9 reasons celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the US is the worstWBUR: Please Don't Wear A Sombrero: What Cinco De Mayo Really Means, From A MexicanCarnegie Melon University: Understanding Cinco de MayoTime: Kimberlé Crenshaw and IntersectionalityHead to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

In this episode of The Culture Clinic, we will be exploring the complex world of personality assessments used in the workplace and how to navigate the challenges of applying them. Take a listen to learn about the historical roots and social impacts of three common assessments frequently used in organizations. You'll gain insights into tools like the Myers-Briggs, Big Five, and DiSC, examining their ability to connect and divide. We will uncover the social psychology behind in-group biases and how belonging can conflict with overgeneralization. Emphasizing ethical leadership and inclusivity, the discussion highlights how these tools should foster growth, not limit individuals.Links for more exploration:The History of the MBTI® AssessmentThe "Big Five" Personality Traits Big Five Personality Traits: The 5-Factor Model of PersonalityThe Famous Big 5 Personality Test Might Not Reveal The True YouEverything DiSC Everything DiSC Timeline7 Workplace Personality Tests That Can Help Improve Your TeamAre your findings ‘WEIRD’?The Truth About Lie Detectors (aka Polygraph Tests)Lie Detectors: Why They Don't Work, and Why Police Use Them AnywayPersona: The Dark Truth Behind Personality TestsHead to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Ready to shape the rhythm of work and life like a symphony? Tune in to this episode for an exploration of goal-setting that helps you map your personal and organizational aspirations. This episode gets into the art of setting goals and defining objectives, emphasizing the unique role of each, much like different instruments contributing to the grand composition of life and work.Discover the significance of SMART goals and objectives—more than just clever, they are essential—and learn how to tailor them to align with your personal dreams and your organization's objectives. Uncover strategies to make your them manageable, clear, and aligned with your values. You will see how the discussion underscores that achieving organizational goals requires effective communication, collaboration, and solid performance metrics. As the year concludes, let's raise a toast to gleaning lessons from the past and stepping into the future with a clear vision, purpose, and a revitalized commitment to aspirations. Whether you're an individual navigating life's journey or a leader steering towards collective success, consider this episode a resources to get you on your way! REFERENCEThere’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management Goals and Objectives Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Have you been wondering how to create a festive working environment that respects every culture? Join this candid conversation where we tackle this question head-on. This episode highlights the importance of inclusive holiday celebrations at the workplace and how to make everyone feel comfortable, irrespective of their personal beliefs or choices. From organizing holiday events accommodating diversity to decorating the workspace with neutral elements, we provide strategies to create a cohesive, respectful, and joyful environment during the holiday season.But why limit this inclusivity and respect to the holidays? As we continue our conversation we'll get into the idea of maintaining this ambiance of diversity and tolerance throughout the year. We discuss the pivotal role leadership plays in fostering such a culture and how simple policies can make a world of difference. Tune in to know about the magic of diversity, the importance of self-care, and the need to value every voice and identity, not only during festive times but every single day. Don't miss this heartening conversation on creating harmonious and respectful workplaces.Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Get ready to get into the world of power dynamics. It's a story many of us know, though the real impacts aren't some kind of fairy tale. In this episode, we'll dissect various forms of power, from traditional hierarchies to subtle personal influence, shedding light on their impact on an organization's pulse and persona. Whether it's a strict top-down structure or a culture that champions innovation and teamwork, understanding power dynamics is vital for effective leadership and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated.Within the maze of office politics, strategies used to gain influence are unveiled, along with the implications these strategies have on an organization's culture. With this topic, we'll dive  into the darker side of power, including the effects of power abuse, implicit bias, and stereotyping within the workplace. Valuable insights and solutions will be shared, advocating for clear policies, training programs, and robust reporting mechanisms. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to navigate power dynamics successfully in their professional lives.Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Ever pondered on why certain work environments thrive while others feel like the pits? The answer lies in something called organizational justice. Through this eye-opening episode, we break it down to its structural and social forms, discussing the four key types - distributive, procedural, interpersonal, and informational. Weaving in real-life scenarios, we illustrate how these principles influence employee perceptions of fairness, and how biases might shape these justice-related decisions. Delving further, we uncover the crucial role of transparency and consistency in fostering workplace trust. We illustrate how respect and value perception, driven by organizational justice, can make or break employee morale. This episode isn't just about the theory of organizational justice, but a practical guide to creating a thriving workplace. So, come hang with me as we explore the nitty-gritty of workplace dynamics and its impact on employee well-being and the overall organizational success.Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Pull up a chair at the Culture Clinic as we navigate the labyrinth of leadership approaches - from the commanding authoritarian to the nurturing coaching method. Discover their unique benefits and challenges, and consider how these styles can shape an organization and its culture.But our enlightening journey doesn't stop there. Turn the spotlight on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) - the lifeblood of a thriving, innovative workplace. Together we get into how leadership styles can cultivate an inclusive environment humming with mutual respect, collaboration, and creativity. Dig deeper into the crucial role of leadership in fostering a sense of belonging while amplifying diverse voices for more inclusive decision-making. Step into The Culture Clinic as we explore the vital need for leaders to embody DEI values, championing a culture of inclusivity, trust, and employee satisfaction. After all, a leader is not just a decision-maker, but a beacon for the values and culture of the organization.Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Today's conversation dives deep into an often overlooked aspect of the modern workplace; mental health. Why do 68% of employees admit to taking time off due to mental health concerns? And how can we, as employers, create a culture where mental health is not just recognized, but prioritized? Join us as we explore these statistics.We'll talk about valuable insights on the subtle signs of mental health struggles, employee attitudes towards mental health, and the clear benefits of prioritizing mental health in the professional environment. We discuss the impactful framework for addressing mental health in the workplace put forward by the Surgeon General and consider the effects of remote work on employee well-being. You'll be enlightened on creating a health-friendly workplace culture and the critical role of empathy, understanding, and psychological safety at work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to foster a work environment where employees feel valued, safe, and supported.Sources to Explore:U.S. Surgeon General: Workplace Well-BeingAPA: Workers appreciate and seek mental health support in the workplace ResumeLab: Exploring Mental Health at Work Forbes: More Than Half Of Employees Are Afraid To Discuss Their Mental Health With Their BossWorkplace Mental Health: Knowing the SignsHBR: Is Your Remote Job Making You Lonely?Mental Health America: Depression in The WorkplaceU.S. Department of Labor: Mental Health at WorkMany are Feeling LonelyHead to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Get ready for a deep dive into the very soul of your organization! Ever wondered why your organization operates the way it does? Questions about how a company's values, customs, and unspoken rules guide your daily work life?We're unraveling this complex concept from the ground up, starting with an easy-to-understand definition of organizational culture. Then, we're taking a journey through Edgar Schein's multi-layered model of organizational culture. We venture beneath the surface artifacts, through espoused values, right down to the deep-seated basic assumptions that shape a company's culture. From understanding the power of a strong, positive culture to identifying the impact of a toxic one, it's time to really get to know the real, unspoken rules of the game. A few terms to check out:Values: Values are the core principles and ethics that an organization holds dear and what is considered to be of utmost importance. They serve as a compass for employees, guiding their actions and decisions.Beliefs: Beliefs represent the convictions and perspectives that are commonly held within the organization. These beliefs influence how employees perceive their work and the world around them.Norms: Norms are the accepted standards of behavior within the organization. They define what is considered appropriate or inappropriate in terms of conduct and interaction.Practices: Practices refer to the routines, rituals, and behaviors that are prevalent in the workplace. These can include everything from dress codes to communication protocols.Symbols: Symbols are tangible representations of the organization's culture, such as logos, slogans, and physical artifacts. They serve as visual reminders of the organization's identity and values.Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!

Hi and welcome to The Culture Clinic. I'm Dr. Shawna Gann, a business psychologist, certified diversity executive and CEO of True Culture Coaching & Consulting. In The Culture Clinic, we'll dive deep into organizational culture inclusivity and diversity. Join me as I offer practical solutions to complex challenges faced by organizations drawing on my expertise in business, psychology, organizational development, and learning theory. With over 15 years of living and working outside of the United States, I also bring a global perspective to our discussions. We're not just addressing diversity equity inclusion, we're healing organizational cultures from within. Through thought provoking discussions, data driven insights and actionable strategies, we'll  transform workplaces into havens of belonging and high performance. Understand culture's psychological foundation, learn inclusivity techniques, and ignite sustainable growth. I'll guide you on this transformative journey from leadership's impact on culture to addressing cultural biases. Whether you are a leader, HR professional, or an individual seeking inclusive and thriving workplaces, The Culture Clinic is your trusted resource. Step into The Culture Clinic to redefine the future of work. Together, let's celebrate diversity, foster belonging, and drive positive progress. Ready to start? New episodes coming your way this fall.Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.If you like The Culture Clinic, you should also check out Our True Colors, a podcast that explores the challenges of being racially ambiguous and focuses on identity and belonging. Click here to start with the first episode!