Culture is not what you say it is. Culture is the sum of all your actions, inactions, rituals, and behaviors - both reinforced and tolerated.

Culture is one of the most covered topics in the world of work - books, blog posts, case studies, podcasts, and more cover culture. It’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Despite our penchant for clever posters on the wall and all kinds of culture rituals, we can often miss the mark.

HR doesn’t own culture. In fact, no one owns culture. Sure, it can and should be shaped and influenced. We need to let go of the notion that it’s a tangible feeling that is universal and directly owned by HR.

In my book I worked to shift the thinking away from culture as something static to be preserved. I prefer anchoring values that can be clearly articulated and operationalized through how you hire, develop, reward, and celebrate your employees.

This workshop chapter goes deeper with additional perspectives and resources to help shape and support how you approach your culture and values.