In some ways, the word 'Culture' is as difficult to define as one of our other favourite words, 'Leadership'. A number of competing definitions abound, but what seems common to many of our experiences is that, whilst a clear and concise definition may not always roll off the tongue, we certainly seem very clear when we see or experience 'bad' culture. Research increasingly suggests there are clear correlations in organisational outcomes that map to the health of any culture in an organisation - healthy or poor.

But how do we know whether your organisation's culture is going to support or hinder your strategic objectives? How can we clearly measure its health, aside from our own 'gut feel'? And what responsibility can organisational leaders exercise in the cultivation of healthy cultures? Enter Quentin Jones.

Quentin lives and breathes organisational culture. With a deep and expert research lens, he measures the health of cultures so as to provide opportunities for remediation, enhancement and growth. Join Paul & KG as they wrap their heads around how a fuzzy term like 'culture' can actually be a driving force for healthy and productive teams and, by extension, organisations.

On this occasion, our friends at Annandale Cellars provided an exquisite Australian blend from Soul Growers in the Barossa Valley. The 2022 Soul Growers Equilibrium is, as its moniker suggests, a perfect blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro. It is big and plummy, with a fruity, velvety mouthfeel. Go get some!

Sláinte friends!

Some useful resources from this episode:

1. The Culture Capital Group

We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below.

Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com

Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

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When leading teams or organisations, there is often an unspoken expectation that, no matter how dark the challenge, those leading us will know a way through to the light. After all, surely they have done this before. They simply open their leadership playbooks to the relevant page, and there we go.

But there we don't.

In this Cheeky Half Paul and KG talk about the potential folly of insisting on solving problems the same way you've always done it - which is essentially the purpose of a 'playbook'. We assume most of us concur with the well-worn adage, "Past performance is no guarantee of future results." It's no different in our daily leadership practice.

So what's the 'answer'?

Join us and let us know what you think!

We'd love to hear what you thought of this conversation.

Please let us know through either of the options below.

Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com

Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

Back in Cheeky Half 17, Paul & KG considered the Social Cohesion Report, researched and published by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. It is a veritable goldmine of insight and possibility, pointing out the many ways our society connects, grows and flourishes - and the potential risks we should all guard against in order to protect societal cohesion. They also wound up their conversation wondering if there would be an opportunity to talk to someone at the institute so they could explain the purpose and impact of such compelling work.

Fast-forward (well, not too fast...) almost an entire season later and Paul & KG had the absolute pleasure of sitting with Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Research Institute, to discuss all things cohesion, and especially the stories that hold us together.

This is a deeply engaging conversation, covering the origins of the research, it's purpose, it's use across a number of domains (social policy, community engagement, to name just two) and the way stories around our local communities help to create and sustain a sense of belonging and connection.

And of course, we are kept company by an unbelievably, top-notch, non-alcoholic Riesling (yes, you read that correctly!). Our friends at Annandale Cellars knocked it out of the park with the stunning Dr Loosen Dr Lo Riesling. It is a non-vintage, non-alcoholic drop that will blow you away. You just have to try some!

Sláinte friends!

Some useful resources from this episode:

1. An executive summary of the Mapping Social Cohesion Report 2023, beautifully visualised.
2. Scanlon Foundation
3. Scanlon Foundation Research Institute
4. Mapping Social Cohesion Report 2023 - Full (Download)
5. Social Cohesion Compass
6. Strong Communities Narratives
7. Welcoming Cities
8. Voices of Australia Podcast

We're keen to hear what you thought of this conversation. Please let us know through either of the options below.

Please reach out on askus@leadershipdecanted.com or visit us at www.leadershipdecanted.com

Disagree or agree with anything we've said? How wrong are we?!? Are there any leadership topics you'd like us to discuss (or perhaps other books or podcasts that might set us straight!)? Maybe you'd like to recommend a favourite wine!

Whatever tickles your fancy, we'd love to hear from you!!