When senior leaders discuss company culture, the real question remains: do they walk the talk? The gap between rhetoric and action within the culture conversation must be bridged. 

Here are some actionable ways to do that.

1. Setting the Example

• Talk: “We are committed to building a positive culture that supports everyone.”
• Walk: True commitment involves visibly embodying cultural values in daily actions and serving as a model for the entire organization. Bonus: be genuinely open to feedback from everyone.

2. Decision-Making Alignment

• Talk: “Culture is always discussed in decision-making meetings.”
• Walk: Leaders who genuinely prioritize culture ensure that decisions align with stated cultural values, creating consistency in actions and words.

3. Communication Consistency

• Talk: “The vision for culture is shared through all channels where we keep things fun and light.”
• Walk: Embody consistent and open communication that reinforces key cultural principles, fostering a shared understanding throughout the organization repeatedly. 

4. Accountability and Recognition

• Talk: “We have a culture of accountability and recognition.”
• Walk: Integrating accountability into performance evaluations and publicly recognizing team members and their hard work, demonstrates a commitment to these values.

5. Adapting to Change

• Talk: “We acknowledge the need for cultural adaptation in a changing environment.”
• Walk: This requires a balanced and thoughtful approach. Actively steer the organization through change while maintaining cultural integrity showcasing a commitment to walking the cultural talk.

6. Employee Feedback and Input

• Talk: “We encourage employee feedback as a cultural theme.”
• Walk: Leaders who actively seek and implement employee input demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering a culture of unity and openness.

7. Learning and Development

• Talk: “We invest in employee development.”
• Walk: Aligning learning initiatives with goals and company cultural values demonstrates a commitment to the continuous improvement of both individuals and the overall culture. Bring employees to conferences, reimburse, or cover the cost of relevant courses, etc. 

All this is to say, leaders who authentically walk the talk on culture go beyond rhetoric—they actively shape and reinforce cultural values through their actions, fostering an environment where the entire organization lives and breathes the culture that is spoken. 

Looking to build the conversation around your organization’s culture? Fill out our contact form to book a training session with Paul today.