Can We Just Talk?

This article was first published October 19, 2009, at members.characterfirst.com.

Can people talk too much about character? I have this picture in mind of an employee meeting where the CEO announces the latest in a long line of employee development programs. This program happens to be character-based. Once again, it’s going to “change the way we do business!” Two ten-year veterans in the back glance at each other and roll their eyes.

A major goal at Character First! is to provide a “vocabulary of character.” When the talk is disproportionate to the walk, the program won’t just stagnate—people will actually decide to not let it work. There will be negative buy-in.

Edgar Schein of MIT has researched organizational culture, and he lists the following mechanisms whereby leaders can “embed” values into their organizations’ culture:

Schein’s Primary Embedding Mechanisms

• What leaders pay attention to, measure, and control on a regular basis
• How leaders react to critical incidents and organizational crises
• How leaders allocate resources
• Deliberate role modeling, teaching, and coaching
• How leaders allocate rewards and status
• How leaders recruit, select, promote, and excommunicate

Schein’s Secondary Articulation and Reinforcement Mechanisms

• Organizational design and structure
• Organizational systems and procedures
• Rites and rituals of the organization
• Design of physical space, facades, buildings
• Stories about important events and people
• Formal statements of organizational philosophy, creeds, and charters¹

All but one of Schein’s primary mechanisms are pure observed behavior. Yes, it is possible to talk too much—if your observed behavior is saying something else.

• If you’re a leader, each quality’s Leadership Tips are a must.
• Many Employee Tips are really tips on how to “embed” your values into your culture.

Reference:

¹Schein, E. H. (2004), p.246. Organizational Culture and Leadership. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass.

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Luke Kallberg manages website content for the Character Training Institute.