Make Your Culture Visible

Culture is one of those themes that many organizations talk about, most often within the context of change and transformation. This week I had the opportunity to be part of a culture day for a brand new company and help them bring their culture to life, visually.

How can you make your culture visible? Below is just one idea.

There are a lot of reasons to feel nervous starting a new job. After all, this is your new family. What if you don’t have anything in common?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could actually SEE your common interests the first day of work?

That’s exactly what I was hired to do for the employees at a new resort last week. As 800 new hires came into work for their first day, each of them were asked to write what they love most on a sticky note and give it to me. The themes became clear immediately: Family, nature, sports, food, dogs… these are the things they value most. They all can see when they look at this 7’x12’ mural that they'll love coming to work each day to be with their new family.

The mural was created live throughout the day, giving people a chance to come up and add their ideas as I went along. This sense of collaboration and co-creation added to the camaraderie and excitement of starting a new job.

The mural is a visual representation of the culture this organization is starting out with and hopes to sustain. It will be hung for all to see and be inspired by throughout the year, reminding them of their common values and interests. And most of all, to see how lucky they are to be part of such an awesome team.