Unraveling the Mystery of Culture Patterns

When we dive into the realm of organizational culture, what often emerges is a sense of complexity and, for many, confusion. We hear terms like transparency, agility, and collaboration bandied about, but there’s an undercurrent of tension - a recognition that, despite our best intentions, these values aren’t fully lived out in our daily organizational life. It begs the question: Why is it so challenging to embody these values consistently? 

Enter the concept of Culture Patterns. These are not just abstract ideas but real phenomena that manifest when there’s a disconnect between what a culture ostensibly values and how those values are actually expressed and experienced. This gap isn’t a sign of failure but rather a humanizing reflection of our collective struggle to bring our aspirations into alignment with our actions. 

Take, for instance, collaboration and transparency, two values acclaimed in many organizational charts. Yet, despite the best efforts, they manifest intermittently or superficially but not at the depth or consistency leaders aim for or that would significantly drive success. This discrepancy isn’t due to a lack of effort or understanding but arises from our intrinsic human nature, where even our best intentions are challenged by competing commitments. 

These competing commitments, as identified by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, authors of the book Immunity to Change, reveal a fascinating paradox: while we pursue certain goals, we simultaneously engage in behaviors that directly counter those objectives. This isn’t mere oversight; it’s a reflection of other, often unacknowledged, commitments that wield enough influence to divert us from our stated paths. Whether it’s balancing work with family life, ensuring quality time at home while aiming for health goals, or any number of personal examples, these dual commitments underscore a broader principle that deeply impacts organizational culture as well. 

Understanding and identifying these Culture Patterns is crucial because they exemplify how competing commitments within the workplace can stymie our efforts to cultivate the culture we aspire to. They serve as a clear indicator that achieving a truly transformative culture requires us to look beneath the surface, confront these patterns, and reconcile the competing commitments that drive them. 

This content pulls out insights from Culture Change Made Easy by Jamie Notter and Maddie Grant. See more resources at culturechangemadeeasybook.com.