Designing Cultures that Last

By Jamey Lutz—

Be wary of perceived shortcuts!

Designing an exceptional workplace isn’t a checkbox activity—it’s a continuous journey of refinement and improvement. Anytime humans are involved, there will always be rough edges to polish and new opportunities to explore. Culture transformation isn’t something you can deploy overnight or sustain by cutting corners.

The DIY Lesson That Went Wrong

Several years ago, my daughter, Elaina, acquired an old desk for her college apartment. It was sturdy and well-built, but its jet-black color didn’t fit with her existing decor. Confident in our ability to quickly refresh it, we decided to paint over the black with white—no problem, right?

Well, the first coat proved otherwise. The dark color stubbornly showed through, and the new paint bubbled and flaked on the surface. Even after multiple coats, we couldn’t achieve the clean, polished finish we had envisioned.

Turns out, we had skipped a critical step that every seasoned painter knows: don't forget the primer! Without it, the new paint had no foundation to adhere to, and instead, it was absorbed by the old color, undermining our efforts.

Culture Requires Priming, Too

The same principle applies to building an intentional workplace culture. If you rush the process, skipping foundational steps to move ahead quickly, the old ways will inevitably resurface. And when they do, they won’t be strong enough to propel your company toward a new and improved state.

Organizations often search for a shortcut, hoping that a single initiative, slogan, or workshop will embed purpose and values deep into employees' hearts and minds. But cultural excellence, much like a fine wine, requires time to mature. It needs room to season, evolve, and integrate into the organization’s DNA.

The Long Road to Cultural Transformation

There is no magic pill for developing a thriving workplace culture. It takes deliberate effort, sustained reinforcement, and an unwavering commitment to the long haul. Just as we should never rush a masterpiece, we must allow the principles of organizational excellence to take root, ensuring they become an enduring part of the company’s identity.

Take the First Step Toward Sustainable Culture

Transforming culture isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating a lasting foundation that drives organizational excellence. If your company is ready to build a workplace where values truly thrive, let’s talk. Reach out to explore strategies for priming your team for success, embedding the right behaviors, and ensuring your culture stands the test of time.

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