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The Power of Culture: Bringing values to life at work: An Economist Edge book
All organizations have a culture, whether they acknowledge it or not, and whether it's helping or hindering them.
Get it right, and culture can be a positive force for good. Get it wrong, and culture can be a negative, becoming toxic and undermining performance and reputations.
In short, culture matters.
It can, though, be a tricky thing to understand and master. The Power of Culture tackles this head-on, exploring what culture is and why it matters; how it needs to be aligned with strategy and values, and how to understand it, change it and make it a reality.
Told through real stories and examples and using the author's Intentional Culture Circle as a guide, this book helps everyone at work to be more aware of culture and how to find opportunities to make it work better.
Get it right, and culture can be a positive force for good. Get it wrong, and culture can be a negative, becoming toxic and undermining performance and reputations.
In short, culture matters.
It can, though, be a tricky thing to understand and master. The Power of Culture tackles this head-on, exploring what culture is and why it matters; how it needs to be aligned with strategy and values, and how to understand it, change it and make it a reality.
Told through real stories and examples and using the author's Intentional Culture Circle as a guide, this book helps everyone at work to be more aware of culture and how to find opportunities to make it work better.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
8 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Laura Hamill
3 books2 followersLaura Hamill – Biography
I am a writer, botanical artist and art teacher.
In 2005 I was gifted with the website of writingevolution.com at several thousand feet above the ground during a flight taking off from Arizona to California. It was my early days of healing over the passing of my husband, John, and I was ready to write stories about the amazing signs I was shown in my contemplations and meditations.
I was ready to start a site using the title “broken branches” when all of a sudden I felt the words “writing evolution” pounding in my head and as I looked out the window at the farmland below I saw the characters “W” and as the plane made a right hand turn the “W “ clearly became an “E. “ I felt shivers all over and thought for sure that website address would be taken….well it was not.
I returned to the home of a friend in Palm Desert where I was working through the healing and I got up one night at 2:00 am and started the website. The “crew” were helping me for sure that morning. I launched page after page of paintings and writings that went along with the paintings.
This is the same way the writings of this book became words on a page. There was an outline I was given, followed by sections of the logs during various meditations and dream journeys over the past few years.
I was brought to the keyboard by the same force that gave me the writing evolution website. These writings give me a sensational and joyous sense of freedom to stretch my experience into a fantastical journey.
Dream Big!
Posted on my websie
Cracking the Seed, What Grief Gave Me © Laura Hamill 2011
Kindle Version - Amazon.com - Writing Evolution, The Novel Adventures of L’Aura Lightflower, Volumes 1-3 © Laura Hamill 2015 and 2016
Kindle Version - Amazon.com - Writing Evolution, The Novel Adventures of L’Aura Lightflower, Volumes 1-3 © Laura Hamill 2015 and 2016
Publicity Platform
httoL//www.writingevolution.com
amazon.com
Event Schedule
I have launched Writing Evolution workshops (see www.writingevolution.com) where creative souls will gather to write new stories for places from our beautiful imaginations.
Laura Hamill
laura@writingevolution.com
I am a writer, botanical artist and art teacher.
In 2005 I was gifted with the website of writingevolution.com at several thousand feet above the ground during a flight taking off from Arizona to California. It was my early days of healing over the passing of my husband, John, and I was ready to write stories about the amazing signs I was shown in my contemplations and meditations.
I was ready to start a site using the title “broken branches” when all of a sudden I felt the words “writing evolution” pounding in my head and as I looked out the window at the farmland below I saw the characters “W” and as the plane made a right hand turn the “W “ clearly became an “E. “ I felt shivers all over and thought for sure that website address would be taken….well it was not.
I returned to the home of a friend in Palm Desert where I was working through the healing and I got up one night at 2:00 am and started the website. The “crew” were helping me for sure that morning. I launched page after page of paintings and writings that went along with the paintings.
This is the same way the writings of this book became words on a page. There was an outline I was given, followed by sections of the logs during various meditations and dream journeys over the past few years.
I was brought to the keyboard by the same force that gave me the writing evolution website. These writings give me a sensational and joyous sense of freedom to stretch my experience into a fantastical journey.
Dream Big!
Posted on my websie
Cracking the Seed, What Grief Gave Me © Laura Hamill 2011
Kindle Version - Amazon.com - Writing Evolution, The Novel Adventures of L’Aura Lightflower, Volumes 1-3 © Laura Hamill 2015 and 2016
Kindle Version - Amazon.com - Writing Evolution, The Novel Adventures of L’Aura Lightflower, Volumes 1-3 © Laura Hamill 2015 and 2016
Publicity Platform
httoL//www.writingevolution.com
amazon.com
Event Schedule
I have launched Writing Evolution workshops (see www.writingevolution.com) where creative souls will gather to write new stories for places from our beautiful imaginations.
Laura Hamill
laura@writingevolution.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 5, 2025
the irony of leading a culture club at my former corporate toxic job to now reading things like this to help thought leaders tell toxic companies like that what they should be doing instead lol
Notes:
- culture tangibly permeates each and every aspect of a workplace – whether leaders and employees know it or not.
- an influential culture doesn’t happen by chance – it requires intentional design to support the organization’s purpose, align with strategic goals, and adapt alongside a changing workforce. In today’s rapidly evolving world of work, building a culture that resonates with employees’ values and aspirations is more crucial than ever.
- A clear and intentional culture sets expectations and offers employees a shared sense of purpose, helping drive both individual and collective success.
- Despite its impact, many organizations fail to actively design their culture, leaving it to form without guidance, which often results in a fragmented or unclear environment. Without a defined cultural foundation, employees may feel disconnected or uncertain about how to contribute meaningfully, significantly limiting the organization’s potential to succeed.
- For organizations to create a healthy, thriving culture, intentionality is critical.
- Rather than leaving culture to develop by chance, organizations should deliberately sculpt it to construct a workplace where people feel appreciated, connected, and supported.
- To truly bring culture to life, you need culture champions. These individuals can be employees of any level who actively promote cultural values, further embedding the culture throughout the organization.
- As work and workplaces evolve at an ever-accelerating pace, strong organizational culture will become more crucial than ever before.
- These culture-smart organizations will recognize that regularly evaluating their culture’s effectiveness is essential, and that simply stating your values on the company website isn’t enough. Values must be underpinned by specific behaviors, practices, and systems that turn cultural ideals into daily reality.
- In the coming years, uncertainty will be the one certainty that organizations will face. To make themselves future-proof, organizations will need to foreground culture. And to make their cultures future-proof, organizations will need to underscore adaptability, human-centeredness, and a purpose-driven ethos. Doing so will ensure both company and culture stay relevant and resilient at a time in history when these two qualities are becoming increasingly rare.
Notes:
- culture tangibly permeates each and every aspect of a workplace – whether leaders and employees know it or not.
- an influential culture doesn’t happen by chance – it requires intentional design to support the organization’s purpose, align with strategic goals, and adapt alongside a changing workforce. In today’s rapidly evolving world of work, building a culture that resonates with employees’ values and aspirations is more crucial than ever.
- A clear and intentional culture sets expectations and offers employees a shared sense of purpose, helping drive both individual and collective success.
- Despite its impact, many organizations fail to actively design their culture, leaving it to form without guidance, which often results in a fragmented or unclear environment. Without a defined cultural foundation, employees may feel disconnected or uncertain about how to contribute meaningfully, significantly limiting the organization’s potential to succeed.
- For organizations to create a healthy, thriving culture, intentionality is critical.
- Rather than leaving culture to develop by chance, organizations should deliberately sculpt it to construct a workplace where people feel appreciated, connected, and supported.
- To truly bring culture to life, you need culture champions. These individuals can be employees of any level who actively promote cultural values, further embedding the culture throughout the organization.
- As work and workplaces evolve at an ever-accelerating pace, strong organizational culture will become more crucial than ever before.
- These culture-smart organizations will recognize that regularly evaluating their culture’s effectiveness is essential, and that simply stating your values on the company website isn’t enough. Values must be underpinned by specific behaviors, practices, and systems that turn cultural ideals into daily reality.
- In the coming years, uncertainty will be the one certainty that organizations will face. To make themselves future-proof, organizations will need to foreground culture. And to make their cultures future-proof, organizations will need to underscore adaptability, human-centeredness, and a purpose-driven ethos. Doing so will ensure both company and culture stay relevant and resilient at a time in history when these two qualities are becoming increasingly rare.
January 6, 2025
Culture is the backbone of every organization, shaping how people work, connect, and thrive. Despite its centrality, it’s often misunderstood or relegated to the background as an intangible concept. Laura Hamill’s book "The Power of Culture" challenges this misconception, asserting that culture is a powerful, tangible force that actively influences every aspect of the workplace. A strong, intentionally designed culture drives employee satisfaction, organizational success, and long-term resilience. It affects engagement, productivity, innovation, and employee retention, among other outcomes. However, impactful cultures don’t emerge by accident; they require deliberate design and ongoing care to align with an organization’s purpose, strategic goals, and evolving workforce.
Defining culture is foundational to understanding its power. Hamill likens culture to an organization’s personality—a mix of values, beliefs, and practices that influence how employees behave and make decisions. It provides clarity, guiding employees on what is expected, rewarded, and valued. A strong, aligned culture fosters engagement and cohesion, while a misaligned or stagnant one can lead to disengagement and poor performance. Organizational culture and workplace climate are interdependent, with culture setting overarching values and climate reflecting those values in daily experiences, behaviors, and interactions.
Culture isn’t imposed; it’s co-created by employees who interpret and act on its signals. This active participation means that culture evolves as employees engage with and shape it. When employees feel empowered and respected, they contribute authentically, helping the culture thrive. A positive, intentional culture benefits organizations in measurable ways, improving innovation, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Conversely, toxic cultures—often stemming from poor leadership—harm individual well-being and hinder growth. Trust is a non-negotiable element of healthy cultures, serving as the foundation for collaboration and progress.
To build a thriving culture, intentionality is key. Organizations must consciously align cultural values with strategic goals and ensure those values resonate with employees. Transforming culture requires more than articulating values; it demands embedding them in daily practices, systems, and interactions. Hamill introduces the Intentional Culture Circle, a framework for systematically reshaping culture. The process begins by envisioning the desired culture and defining specific behaviors that reflect its values. Continuous education ensures that employees understand their roles in upholding these values, while accountability through clear metrics helps track progress. Culture champions—employees at any level who actively promote cultural values—play a crucial role in embedding the culture throughout the organization.
Communication is another cornerstone of effective culture-building. Regular, transparent messaging keeps cultural values at the forefront, while authentic experiences foster meaningful connections among employees. Aligning organizational practices, particularly those related to people management, with cultural values reinforces cohesion and authenticity. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping culture, as employees look to them for cues about what the organization truly values and rewards. Mindful, aligned leadership is essential to cultivating a culture that reflects the organization’s mission and supports its people.
Hamill emphasizes that culture-building is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. As organizations grow and evolve, their cultures must adapt to reflect changing needs and priorities. Future-proofing culture involves balancing core values with individual contributions, creating a sense of unity without enforcing conformity. Organizations must regularly evaluate their cultural effectiveness, ensuring that values are not merely aspirational but are actively lived through behaviors, practices, and systems.
The book also introduces the Culture Care Stairs model, which outlines three levels of a healthy, human-centered culture. The foundation includes essentials like trust, honesty, and safety. The next level emphasizes psychological safety and inclusivity, recognizing employees as whole people. The highest level connects employees to meaningful purpose and promotes personal growth, aligning individual and organizational aspirations. This model highlights the importance of engaging employees’ hearts and minds, fostering emotional connection alongside intellectual alignment.
As work and workplaces continue to evolve, culture will become increasingly critical. Employees increasingly seek workplaces that align with their values, and organizations that prioritize cultural alignment will attract and retain top talent. Strong cultures provide stability and adaptability, helping organizations navigate uncertainty while remaining resilient and relevant. Beyond internal benefits, culture impacts external success, resonating with customers and clients who value authenticity and purpose-driven approaches.
Ultimately, "The Power of Culture" underscores that culture is not a passive backdrop but an active force that shapes organizational life. When intentionally designed and nurtured, culture unifies and inspires, driving success and well-being for individuals and organizations alike. It’s an investment that requires time, effort, and commitment but offers unparalleled rewards—a thriving workplace where people and purpose align to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Defining culture is foundational to understanding its power. Hamill likens culture to an organization’s personality—a mix of values, beliefs, and practices that influence how employees behave and make decisions. It provides clarity, guiding employees on what is expected, rewarded, and valued. A strong, aligned culture fosters engagement and cohesion, while a misaligned or stagnant one can lead to disengagement and poor performance. Organizational culture and workplace climate are interdependent, with culture setting overarching values and climate reflecting those values in daily experiences, behaviors, and interactions.
Culture isn’t imposed; it’s co-created by employees who interpret and act on its signals. This active participation means that culture evolves as employees engage with and shape it. When employees feel empowered and respected, they contribute authentically, helping the culture thrive. A positive, intentional culture benefits organizations in measurable ways, improving innovation, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Conversely, toxic cultures—often stemming from poor leadership—harm individual well-being and hinder growth. Trust is a non-negotiable element of healthy cultures, serving as the foundation for collaboration and progress.
To build a thriving culture, intentionality is key. Organizations must consciously align cultural values with strategic goals and ensure those values resonate with employees. Transforming culture requires more than articulating values; it demands embedding them in daily practices, systems, and interactions. Hamill introduces the Intentional Culture Circle, a framework for systematically reshaping culture. The process begins by envisioning the desired culture and defining specific behaviors that reflect its values. Continuous education ensures that employees understand their roles in upholding these values, while accountability through clear metrics helps track progress. Culture champions—employees at any level who actively promote cultural values—play a crucial role in embedding the culture throughout the organization.
Communication is another cornerstone of effective culture-building. Regular, transparent messaging keeps cultural values at the forefront, while authentic experiences foster meaningful connections among employees. Aligning organizational practices, particularly those related to people management, with cultural values reinforces cohesion and authenticity. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping culture, as employees look to them for cues about what the organization truly values and rewards. Mindful, aligned leadership is essential to cultivating a culture that reflects the organization’s mission and supports its people.
Hamill emphasizes that culture-building is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. As organizations grow and evolve, their cultures must adapt to reflect changing needs and priorities. Future-proofing culture involves balancing core values with individual contributions, creating a sense of unity without enforcing conformity. Organizations must regularly evaluate their cultural effectiveness, ensuring that values are not merely aspirational but are actively lived through behaviors, practices, and systems.
The book also introduces the Culture Care Stairs model, which outlines three levels of a healthy, human-centered culture. The foundation includes essentials like trust, honesty, and safety. The next level emphasizes psychological safety and inclusivity, recognizing employees as whole people. The highest level connects employees to meaningful purpose and promotes personal growth, aligning individual and organizational aspirations. This model highlights the importance of engaging employees’ hearts and minds, fostering emotional connection alongside intellectual alignment.
As work and workplaces continue to evolve, culture will become increasingly critical. Employees increasingly seek workplaces that align with their values, and organizations that prioritize cultural alignment will attract and retain top talent. Strong cultures provide stability and adaptability, helping organizations navigate uncertainty while remaining resilient and relevant. Beyond internal benefits, culture impacts external success, resonating with customers and clients who value authenticity and purpose-driven approaches.
Ultimately, "The Power of Culture" underscores that culture is not a passive backdrop but an active force that shapes organizational life. When intentionally designed and nurtured, culture unifies and inspires, driving success and well-being for individuals and organizations alike. It’s an investment that requires time, effort, and commitment but offers unparalleled rewards—a thriving workplace where people and purpose align to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
January 6, 2025
“culture is the heartbeat of all organizations, shaping how employees feel, engage, and contribute.
Anything but a passive backdrop, culture is an active force that influences everything from employee productivity to leader innovation. When approached intentionally, culture can unify and inspire, aligning personal values with organizational goals to create a thriving workplace.
But a healthy culture isn’t just about setting values – it’s about embedding them into daily practices, fostering trust, and creating space for genuine connection. By prioritizing people and purpose, organizations can build resilient, adaptable cultures that empower both individuals and the entire organization to flourish and reach their full potential.”
Today’s book of the day on Blinkist:
SEEN
WELCOMED
BELONGED
PEOPLE FIRST* SERVE HUMANS* VALUES AND LOYALTY!
Anything but a passive backdrop, culture is an active force that influences everything from employee productivity to leader innovation. When approached intentionally, culture can unify and inspire, aligning personal values with organizational goals to create a thriving workplace.
But a healthy culture isn’t just about setting values – it’s about embedding them into daily practices, fostering trust, and creating space for genuine connection. By prioritizing people and purpose, organizations can build resilient, adaptable cultures that empower both individuals and the entire organization to flourish and reach their full potential.”
Today’s book of the day on Blinkist:
SEEN
WELCOMED
BELONGED
PEOPLE FIRST* SERVE HUMANS* VALUES AND LOYALTY!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
Laura Hamill‘s book, “The Power of Culture: Bringing Values to Life at Work“, is an insightful and thorough look into business culture and how we often ignore the ramifications of not paying attention to our culture.
The Power of Culture addresses what culture is not. Our lack of self-awareness of culture, the erroneous assumptions we make about culture that influence how we get culture wrong.
But the real value of the book is how to create the right culture by following Laura Hamill‘s 8-step Intentional Culture Circle.
Starting with your vision to systems, creating the right culture must be intentional, consistent and regularly maintained.
I really enjoyed reading the Power of Culture and thinking through just how much we lack self-awareness when it comes to the culture in our business. But now, we have a method to overcome it.
The Power of Culture addresses what culture is not. Our lack of self-awareness of culture, the erroneous assumptions we make about culture that influence how we get culture wrong.
But the real value of the book is how to create the right culture by following Laura Hamill‘s 8-step Intentional Culture Circle.
Starting with your vision to systems, creating the right culture must be intentional, consistent and regularly maintained.
I really enjoyed reading the Power of Culture and thinking through just how much we lack self-awareness when it comes to the culture in our business. But now, we have a method to overcome it.
March 13, 2025
Insightful and powerful practical manual for creating a healthy and effective workplace culture where people can do their best work. Enjoyed the balance between educational research, personal anecdotes, and real-example based storytelling. Laura Hamill PhD's debut takes you on a journey on how to cultivate an intentional and emotionally attuned culture.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews