Magic of Culture
We are born in the reality of our family. Whatever our family looks like, it does form our worldview, our perspective, and our values. Our families are part of the society and the time, we are in. Whether we are refugees, emperors, soldiers, or scientists, baker or cooks, just to name a few aspects of life, we have our family deep in our life, body, and behavior.
Now, we understand that the first 3.5 years of a life are dominating its rest. Some other voices speak about the first seven years. Latest after this time, the fundament of our life is built. Whether we tend to be satisfied or unsatisfied – done. Whether we tend to extrovert, to laugh and smile or be more silent – set. All later changes will take quite some energy and eventually may take years, if ever possible. The trust we develop, the skepticism, good and bad experiences will be with us. Whether we can trust or not – the foundation is set in this time. Our ability to deal with others, our favorite patterns will be placed in us. Our way of dealing with others, our flexibility in thinking is defined.
The culture we are in will do the rest: Does our society accept individualism or is collectivism the pattern of choice? Will our culture cheering to be different, or does it suppress individual ambition? Is failure is seen to be a chance to learn and improve or is it seen stigmatic? Will our culture support individual growth or is it seen being dangerous because it may destabilize a well-balanced situation? Will be respect other because we appreciate the individualism of others, or will the respect be a consequence of certain rules we have to follow?
There would be more questions to ask both in a general cultural context as in context with corporate culture. If an organization is asking for innovation but hardly delivers, it might be time to think about culture, incentive systems and what type of individuals are getting promoted. The culture of an organization defines the game, and the game to play may decide about the culture needed. If corporate culture is a topic for you, feel invited to talk.
