Seeds of Culture: Improve Organizational Performance by Growing a Culture of Commitment

by Dan Bredeson

Culture is grown, not built

Why do so many organizations get culture so wrong?

Because too many leaders think like a carpenter instead of a farmer. Culture is often referred to in construction terms, such as "Let's build our culture," or "We need to lay a solid foundation for culture." Culture doesn't work that way. It’s an organic process. Culture is grown, not built.

In Seeds of Culture, author Dan Bredeson discusses

• how an organization’s culture affects performance,
• the six traits of successful “culture farmers” (i.e., leaders),
• the seven “seeds” that will grow into a culture of commitment,
• and how leaders should cultivate those seeds throughout their life cycle.

Many organizations have a culture which seeks compliance instead of commitment. Performance improves when members of the organization go the extra mile because they want to, not because they have to. Seeds of Culture outlines how to improve performance by growing a culture of commitment. This leads to a sense of community and an environment in which team members show up, work hard, and care about each other and the organization.

Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Dan Bredeson ’96
Author

From the author
Why do so many organizations get culture so wrong?

Because too many leaders think like a carpenter instead of a farmer. Culture is often referred to in construction terms, such as ''Let's build our culture,'' or ''We need to lay a solid foundation for culture.'' Culture doesn't work that way. It's an organic process. Culture is grown, not built.

In Seeds of Culture, author Dan Bredeson discusses:
• how an organization's culture affects performance,
• the six traits of successful ''culture farmers'' (i.e., leaders),
• the seven ''seeds'' that will grow into a culture of commitment,
• and how leaders should cultivate those seeds throughout their life cycle.

Many organizations have a culture which seeks compliance instead of commitment. Performance improves when members of the organization go the extra mile because they want to, not because they have to. Seeds of Culture outlines how to improve performance by growing a culture of commitment. This leads to a sense of community and an environment in which team members show up, work hard, and care about each other and the organization.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Seeds of Culture: Improve Organizational Performance by Growing a Culture of Commitment" is a book written by Dan Bredeson. It discusses how an organization’s culture affects performance, the six traits of successful “culture farmers” (i.e., leaders), the seven “seeds” that will grow into a culture of commitment, and how leaders should cultivate those seeds throughout their life cycle. The book outlines how to improve performance by growing a culture of commitment. This leads to a sense of community and an environment in which team members show up, work hard, and care about each other and the organization¹.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the approach the author takes in defining culture- that it is a process, it is not a construction project-and most of the time in the places I have worked, there'd always been talk of 'work culture,' and 'organizational culture,' and it did not create room for employees to speak their minds, contribute freely and enthusiastically to building the organization. In this book the author discusses: how an organization’s culture affects performance, the six traits of successful “culture farmers” (i.e., leaders), the seven “seeds” that will grow into a culture of commitment, and how leaders should cultivate those seeds throughout their life cycle.

Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

This was one of those books that grew on me more and more the longer I sat with the ideas and reread certain passages. I think culture is one of those vital aspects to so many parts of life, but is often overlooked in any purposeful effort. It's easy to work on creating other tangible things, but culture - either good or bad - has a much bigger potential to influence so many other areas of business or life or any group of people really. Will continue to return to this one.

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book or later have gone back and reviewed passages I'm left thinking- this is so spot on. I also love the stories woven throughout the content.