It would hardly be fish who discovered the existence of water.
~ Clyde Kluckhohn
If we have been part of the same social groups (family, friends, faith community, political party, industry, organization, etc.), it is often difficult for us to even describe our culture until we are exposed to contrasting ways of being, social norms, values and beliefs. And, when we are faced with new "cultures' or other peoples' ways, a very human response is to not notice the opportunity for change or to reject what seems different to us because it seems wrong, dangerous or inferior.
Today I'm in Texas for the start of the annual NACCE (National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship) conference where, certainly, the concept of organizational culture will be a topic of discussion. And, there will also be questions and assertions surrounding, "how can traditional educational cultures become more entrepreneurial?"
The easy part is to talk about these things. We can sit in a circle and agree about descriptions of "what is bureaucratic" and "what is entrepreneurial." If we were to take a multiple choice test, we'd probably get lots of "correct" answers. But, if it was that easy, all of our organizations would already have been transformed …
My current favorite recipe for the infusion of entrepreneurial mindset/behaviors throughout a group/organization is:
1. Establish a Leader
* someone needs to facilitate/accept responsibility and be capable of influence toward meaningful results (ideally: someone who lives/breaths intrapreneurship/entrepreneurship/social entrepreneurship)
2. Learn/Experience an Interpersonal Model together (e.g., Social Styles)
* find a gentle way to build self-awareness in individuals while establishing new ways of interacting (break out of committee/meeting habits that get in the way but often remain invisible because the patterns are so well established that they are accepted as "normal" or "correct")
3. Learn/Experience a Process to Results Model together (e.g., Design Thinking)
* follow a process/way of thinking and behaving that has "results" built in (people will remain engaged/become more engaged when they see their investments lead to success - word will spread and others will want to join in, too)
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This recipe creates a positive psychology/appreciative inquiry experience including new knowledge, new skills and a new culture without blame and without ever having to say what wasn't working before ~
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The NACCE conference is a highlight of every year for me … if you haven't considered attending, put it on your calendar for October 2019 … in California ~ www.NACCE.com
