Building a Leadership Culture
Posted by Orrin Woodward on December 1, 2014
Leadership Culture
The longer I am in the leadership field, the more apparent it is to me that creating a leadership culture is the key to longterm results in any company. Yes, a leader must be a top performer, but that, by itself, cannot produce longterm excellence. Indeed, only when the leader works on creating a culture of excellence will his/her company fulfill its potential.
Perhaps the simplest description of culture is to recognize the relation between the community’s culture and the leader’s expectation. Whatever the leader finds acceptable (believes, behaviors, and results) soon becomes the cultural norms for the organization. Therefore, when leaders do not like the current results, they must begin by changing their expectations and standard of excellence.
Unfortunately, most top performers seem to struggle with the jump into leadership because they do not understand how to effectively transfer their personal high standards into the community-at-large. This explains why so many top performers end up failing when promoted into leadership positions. Nonetheless, the good news is that every performer can become a leader through studying and applying the leadership soft-skills.
There are only four lens’s a person can wear in life (victim, follower, performer, and leader). If someone has worked hard to reach the performer lens, there is simply no reason not to continue progressing and put on the leadership lens. This is exactly why I (and my co-founders) formed LIFE Leadership, namely, to help people move up lens levels until they become effective leaders in the homes, communities, and companies.
Isn’t it time for the reader to become a leader and create a culture of excellence in your sphere of influence?
Sincerely,
20 Responses to “Building a Leadership Culture”
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Nancy Monsipapa said
As always – your insight into leadership and your ability to simplify the complex makes us better every day.
Thank you for all you do!
Rick & Nancy
Leslie said
Hi Orrin,
I just finished The Leadership Train again, what a great book! What you’re talking about here is definitely the art side of the business: Laying the Tracks!
Thanks for everything!
Leslie
Aage Smies said
Well said and identified Orrin, it’s remarkably clear to me why you are the leader you are and as a whole I’m aspiring to become more like our coaches, mentors and leaders like Wayne, Claude and you.
Chad Waters said
Hi Orrin!
Love the growth you strive for us daily and leading by example.
God bless
Chad.
Wade Hamblin said
Great post Orrin, appreciate your Leadership!
Mary Mazur said
Beautifully said Orrin! I am sending this to the nursing leaders where I work!!
Kristen Seidl said
Amen! LIFE leadership is the perfect example of a true leadership culture…model what you message! Thank you Orrin!!
Barry Quinn said
Thank you Orrin for making leadership as simplified as possible. Become a student of the soft skills. God bless.
Steve Duba said
Thanks Orrin. The relationship culture created through soft skills. Sounds like Proverbs 27v17 . A diamond cannot be polished without friction,nor a man perfected without trials. Your the best.
Tina Abernathy said
Yes it is!! Thanks for your insight and example.
Onward to Millions!!!
Steve Meixner said
Thanks Orrin, I’ve said it before, but again, I am Truly Thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Life Organization. I am working my way to the Front of the Train, book after book and cd after cd 🙂
Steve
Robby Palmer said
Orrin,
Brilliance how you’re walking top leaders through exactly what you did, 15+ years ago. “The best security guard is an ex-thief” you’ve been where others are at, and you beaten a path through the obstacles in front of them! Thanks for your direction!
Elaine Mallios said
Yes it is time.
Chris Vashus said
Putting on the leadership lens for my home and family is an exciting new thought. The same leadership lens for business should be utilized at home where the greater importance lives.
Orrin Woodward said
Chris, that’s true. Once you put on the leadership lens, every area of your life you “see” differently. 🙂
Bill Eder said
It appears we all need to have “New lens replacements” and they maybe available through LIFEleadrship thanks to you Orrin and the rest of the PC members.
Michael Hartmann said
“Isn’t it time for the reader to become a leader and create a culture of excellence in your sphere of influence?” Indeed it is, especially for this reader! If it is to be, it’s up to me and leadership is taking responsibility for your results (or lack thereof). Time to lead by example, push the train, and keep pushing like never before and keep pushing once momentum strikes. Thanks for the great article!!
Jeremy Pethke said
Thank you for sharing this Orrin! Well timed truths!
John Mossner said
This article is very thought-provoking for many of us that want to develop an excellent culture in our organizations. It’s not just a culture of togetherness but of excellence as well. Thanks.
Maura Galliani said
You’re the best, Orrin, at creating a leadership culture! And the proof is in all the leaders that are in this community now that know, or are learning, how to create the same!! 🙂