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Creativity, Community & Culture

W

hy do some organizations feel energetic and creative while others feel stale and stagnant?

Why do some businesses feel almost frenetic with activity with little to no sense of cohesion or direction?  Why do others just seem stressful and mean?

The standard answer for the more energetic and creative business is usually one of two:  Either "the company is just well managed" or "their work is fun and exciting rather than dull and boring."  And the less desirable we tend to believe are poorly managed.

But I see something very different.  Instead, I believe the causes of excitement, boredom, craziness and work stress have more to do with how tightly coupled people are to each other or how deep the splits are between individuals rather than management techniques or the nature of the work.

Because core values are so deeply personal, they belong to the individual who holds them. Not all individuals have the same core values and conflicts about them will arise.

But the idea of "shared values" is important. A shared value is a kind of “glue” that holds and brings people together. Some have called this aspect of shared or social values a form of "social capital."  The stronger our shared values, the more impact we have as a team.

As a group of co-workers, we may be sailing in a clear stream where ideas are abundant and cohesion is high.  In other situations, individuals are in a stagnant pool or a terrifying whirlpool.  

And yes, there will likely come a time that as we each learn and grow - our flow of ideas, our desire to be innovative and opportunity will take us in a new direction, splitting us away from one group and connecting us to another group or another organization.

This is the real story of creativity, community, and the evolution of corporate culture.  The rest is just an illusion.

About Dr. Michael Burcham

Michael is an executive coach, entrepreneur, investor, and strategist with 30 years of experience leading investor-backed, high-growth organizations.

“I built and sold a $40M company with Dr. Burcham as my mentor. This is the thing: if you EVER get the opportunity to learn from this man, from that moment forward, you’ll list him as one of the most influential people in your life, even if you live to be 90. And, you’ll know how lucky you were to have that opportunity and you’ll immediately say YES to any chance to be in his presence again—his wisdom is that impactful.”

Sherry Stewart Deutschmann

Former CEO, Letter Logic

“If you are looking for a trusted mentor and coach for yourself or your leadership team, I highly recommend Michael Burcham. He has worked with me as my executive coach for well over a decade now. Our conversations and his feedback have helped me sharpen my critical thinking skills. He’s a trusted advisor that I can confidentially speak with about any issue—and I know I’ll get valued feedback. I highly recommend him.”

Ryan McGrath

CEO, Asset Living

“Dr. Burcham’s depth and breadth of experience makes even the most ADD entrepreneurial leader sit up and take notes! His coaching skills bring out the ‘best you’ possible. He selflessly shares the good, the bad, and the ugly—leaving you with an authentic and moving experience sure to spur action and professional growth!”

Julie Lenzer

Director, U.S. Department of Commerce

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Looking for a professional development coach or a career change?

Do you need help developing your management teams or creating a strategic plan?

Wanting to build engagement around innovation or teach your team to build investor value?

If you are ready to develop winning strategies, contact me today to schedule a confidential discussion.

Contact Michael