1. Transforming Your Workplace Culture
from Toxic to Humanized
Jamie Notter and Brad Palmer

2. Outline
1. Workplace culture and its impact (Jamie)
2. Shifting and strengthening cultures (Brad)
3. Case studies
4. Questions

3. Culture is about values
Culture is the collection of words, actions, thoughts,
and “stuff” that clarifies and reinforces what a company
truly values.
[but it’s not about the posters on
your walls.]

4. Culture is about values
Culture is the collection of
words, actions, thoughts, and “stuff” that clarifies and
reinforces what a company truly values.
[but it’s not about the posters on
your walls.]

5. Culture is the collection of words, actions, thoughts,
and “stuff” that clarifies and reinforces what a company
truly values.
Culture is complex and powerful
Culture eats [fill in the blank] for
breakfast.

6. Culture is the collection of words, actions, thoughts,
and “stuff” that clarifies and reinforces what a company
truly values.
Culture is complex and powerful
Culture eats [fill in the blank] for
breakfast.

7. Only 56% said they had good cultures
One in five said they had a “toxic” culture
Our cultures are disappointing
Which means we’re leaving
money on the table.

8. Most cultures are disappointing
Because we run our organizations
like machines.

9. Decentralization
Transparency
Inclusion
Learning
Humanized cultures tap new power

10. Outline
1. Workplace culture and its impact (Jamie)
2. Shifting and strengthening cultures (Brad)
3. Case studies
4. Questions

11. Implementing change is hard
“70% of corporate change efforts either totally
fail, have lukewarm results, or the change never
becomes an integral part of the company culture.”
You can’t simply swap out your culture.
~ Claire Schooley, Forrester Research

12. Culture happens
Culture is a collective, living thing
Shared values don’t go away easily (thankfully)
Imposing culture does not work.

13. Rip and replace does not work

14. SHIFT your culture
Celebrate successes
Reinforce the positive
Just let old (negative) values fade away
Cultures can evolve quickly.

15. Start with a value roadmap
What old values need to fade away?
What old values are the foundation of the new?
What specific new values need to arrive?
What sort of culture are you evolving to?

16. On “collaboration” as a new value
People are heads-down busy at work
Focus on making it easy to find help & connect
Collaboration without purpose = noise
Don’t impose collaboration for collaboration’s sake.

17. Connecting people is hard
People more than 50’ apart don’t collaborate!

18. Leadership matters
Communication is key
Setting a clear example
Recognizing successes & contributions
Walking around!
Example and articulate values that matter.

19. Enlist help
Ensure the full leadership team is aligned
Active participation by all leaders is a must
Find local “culture champions” hiding in your silos
Bridge your silos.

20. Key activities
Organizational clarity
Sharing stories
Recognizing contributions
Celebrating successes
Every day!

21. Organizational clarity
What is the grand purpose?
What is the business vision?
Who is doing what and why?
Frames successes and value stories.

22. Clarity of structure

23. Sharing stories
Example your values
Mix of formal and informal
Local and company wide
Bring your values to life.

24. Make your news engaging
Real-time vs. stale
Groomed vs. real
Show your human side

25. Recognizing Contributions
Small
Specific
Real Time
NOT formal HR-driven programs!

26. Celebrate Successes
Create frequent, achievable milestones
Celebrate them with flair
Create artifacts
Turn successes into your folklore.

27. Outline
1. Workplace culture and its impact (Jamie)
2. Shifting and strengthening cultures (Brad)
3. Case studies
4. Questions

28. WestJet (celebration)
courtesy Don Bell

29. WestJet (artifact)
courtesy Don Bell

30. Jostle (specific recognition)

31. Vernon (real news)
Courtesy Patti Bridal

32. Omicron (celebration)
courtesy Bev Attfield

33. Omicron
courtesy Bev Attfield

35. Outline
1. Workplace culture and its impact (Jamie)
2. Shifting and strengthening cultures (Brad)
3. Case studies
4. Questions

36. Jamie Notter Brad Palmer
jamienotter@gmail.com brad@jostle.me
@JamieNotter @JostleMe
jamienotter.com www.jostle.me