Culture Renovation: 18 Leadership Actions to Build an Unshakeable Company

Oakes, the CEO of an HR research firm, stresses the importance of a healthy work culture in his empowering debut. He lays out an 18-step “culture change blueprint” for companies to transform their workplace and in so doing cultivate “an engaged workforce, better execution, resiliency in the face of challenges, and more loyal customers.” Oakes sorts his lessons into three categories: the “plan” phase includes listening to employees no matter how difficult it might be; identifying influencers, energizers, and blockers among staff; and determining how progress will be measured, monitored, and reported. The “build” phase offers advice on communicating clearly about impending change, weeding out naysayers, and providing training on the desired behaviors. The “maintain” phase ensures that employee onboarding is about relationships, not red tape, and being “aware of what is being said about their employer brand externally.” Oakes also advises on the importance of having a company purpose statement and gives guidelines to consider when forming one, such as that it should be applicable to small and large initiatives and evoke emotions. Along the way, Oakes successfully presents countless case studies that clarify his advice (such as Yankee Candle’s “company story” and WD-40’s brand purpose). Business leaders will want to check out this smart, savvy guide. (Dec.)