#davesdailychallenge (96): Culture Series Part 6. There is a tremendously increased level of attention and respect for the concept of organizational culture as compared to the past. Organizations of all types are realizing that having a culture that passionately supports their people, desired brands, and goals are vital to success. One key element that I discuss with every single person I work with in this arena is the fact that there is no finish line. You can certainly have milestones and times of outstanding success but the concept of “being finished” doesn’t exist in my chosen profession. In any organization, especially in the contemporary “age of flux”, our businesses are characterized by the increased amount of change we witness on a recurring basis. New people, new priorities, and new challenges seek to constantly upset established norms. Having a culture that can not only withstand this change but also be strengthened by it is really hard work and the minute it ceases to be a priority of the organization, it will suffer. Here’s the good news: for those who thrive in this modern and dynamic world, we can always be the nurturers of outstanding cultures where our teammates can be at their best and do their most significant work. If some arbitrary finish line existed we would be inherently relegated to a finite amount of success and, dare I say, even mediocrity.

The best way to sum this up is something that the Marines taught me. “Always seek to gain and maintain the initiative in any situation. Never allow yourself, or your team, to become reactive to outside influence.” In other words, create a culture that is in front of the change, which creates the future instead of having the future created for it. Good luck my friends.