I think many organizations have associates who have been there, seen that regarding flavor of the month initiatives. Many feel used when they emotionally commit to a desire- to-influence-culture event. I believe to create buy-in for rituals within an organization, several things should occur and several things avoided.
Avoid - Letting Senior Leadership determine what associates want to experience/learn. Many are removed enough from daily life that the assumptions are usually wrong.
Avoid - Creating events that are not connected to the zeitgeist of the organization. Closely match current initiatives with rituals already in place. Nothing worse than spending $millions bringing in a high proced consultant to create a program to create energy/(add your own flavor).
Consider - Surveying associates on topics of interest in order to build rituals that are meaningful and that last. Empower internal talent to create the parameters.
Consider - Linking the program/ritual with on-going reinforcement to reduce the perception of an event- instead of the the way we conduct ourselves. Look for champions to lead the charge. Put in sustainable reinforcements on your website, through visible programs, etc....
Got to go 4 now.
Thanks,
Jim
I have found that when leaders are asked to participate in teambuilding or other "softer" activities they are often resistant at first - they are so busy and have so many details to take care of, it's hard for them to justify taking the time to renew themselves. However, once they are actually there they often find great value in the activity. I believe the secret is in balance - not overdoing it - and making the experience high level and meaningful.
Mary Jo Klos
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