Why Culture Doesn’t Really Eat Strategy for Breakfast

Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Well, that’s not really true. Culture is intrinsically connected to your strategy. And story. It’s the very manifestation of the two.

Your story frames the mindset and belief system in your culture.
When employees have a deep understanding of what your company stands for, what it does and how it creates value for customers, their purpose becomes clear. They feel more connected. They believe what they do matters. Clarity of purpose is a powerful motivator. And, it’s born from a clear, compelling and consistent corporate story that aligns with your go-to-market strategy.

Your strategy drives behaviors and actions in your culture.
When leaders and team members across the organization understand how the strategy connects with the story, congruent actions and decisions unfold. Your company’s vision, mission and values go beyond words on paper and take on a life of their own. Employees see how strategic decisions, investments and initiatives connect with the story. They understand how their marching orders align with the bigger picture. For this to happen, leaders must ensure the story and strategy are consistent and omnipresent.

The fact is, culture is the byproduct of your story and strategy in action. The words and actions of every employee embody your company’s story and strategy. So the real question is, what is the state of your go-to-market story and strategy? What message are you sending to your employees? What message are you sending to your customers? Executives must understand, when it comes to culture and the customer experience words matter.

According to a recent PwC Report, 95 percent of executives say change is needed in their culture and 51 percent believe their culture is in need of a major overhaul. Why is that? Maybe its because employees don’t understand or believe in the company’s story and strategy.

If you are like 95 percent of executives who believe change is needed in your company’s culture, it’s time to address the root cause: lack of clarity and alignment in your story and your strategy. Then invest the time, resources and dollars it takes to infuse story and strategy into the hearts and minds of every stakeholder inside and outside your company. It will be worth it.

Because remember, your corporate culture is the byproduct of your story and strategy — in action.