Building Better Cultures

Inspiring Change
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MANAGEMENT

Hosted by Scott McInnes, founder of Inspiring Change, we talk to guests about how really good internal comms, engagement and leadership all contribute to 'Building Better Cultures'. We tend to shy away from theory and focus more on really practical advice, great stories and best-practice. About Inspiring Change At Inspiring Change we help our clients to connect their people to their strategies, their change programmes, their purposes and to each other. We do that by focusing on strategic internal communications, employee engagement and leadership. For more, see www.inspiringchange.ie ** IF YOU'VE ENJOYED THIS, PLEASE LEAVE A SHORT REVIEW**

  1. 5D AGO

    143 | The Power of Connection in Modern Workplaces | Kevin Empey & Susie Leacy

    Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of disconnection in the workplace with guests Susie Leacy and Kevin Empey. They explore the impact of remote work on employee connection, the role of leadership in fostering a cohesive culture, and the importance of intentional strategies to build relationships among employees. The conversation also touches on the multi-generational workforce and the need for organizations to adapt their communication and engagement strategies to meet diverse needs. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that connection is a shared responsibility between leaders and employees, and that fostering a culture of connection is essential for organizational success.    Takeaways  Disconnection is a significant challenge in modern workplaces.  Connection is essential for productivity and resilience.  Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering connection.  Organizations must adapt to maintain engagement in remote work settings.  Intentional strategies are needed to create opportunities for connection.  The multi-generational workforce presents unique challenges and opportunities.  Onboarding processes should focus on building community and connection.  Employees have a role in co-creating workplace culture.  Flexibility in work arrangements comes with shared responsibility.  Connection should be prioritized over merely addressing disconnection.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Disconnection in the Workplace  04:47 Understanding the Challenge of Disconnection  09:01 The Importance of Connection in Modern Work  12:03 Bridging the Gap: Building Cohesion and Engagement  16:15 Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce  21:55 Intergenerational Connections in Care Settings  24:35 Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace  29:42 Intentional Onboarding and Cultural Integration  33:06 Creating Community in a Hybrid Work Environment  39:13 Co-Creating Culture: The Role of Employees and Leaders

    44 min

  2. NOV 6

    142 | Navigating Accountability for Values | Karen Jones & Karen Hackett

    Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenge of accountability for values with guests Karen Jones and Karen Hackett. They explore the importance of articulating and embedding organizational values, the role of managers in fostering a culture of accountability, and the potential pitfalls of weaponizing values in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the significance of onboarding processes and the need for open communication and feedback within organizations.    Takeaways  Accountability for values is a significant challenge for many organizations.  Values must be articulated and understood to be effectively lived.  Creating a culture of feedback is essential for accountability.  Managers play a pivotal role in releasing the energy of their teams.  Onboarding processes should embed values from the start.  Psychological safety is crucial for open conversations about values.  Values can be weaponized, leading to defensiveness in feedback.  Organizations need to be bold about their current culture and desired future state.  Storytelling can help connect employees to organizational values.  Time is a critical factor in enabling managers to engage with their teams.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Accountability for Values  01:24 Understanding Organizational Culture  04:18 Insights from the Mind the Gap Report  06:19 Bringing Values to Life  11:03 Accountability in Practice  17:17 Weaponization of Values in the Workplace  22:16 Building a High-Performance Culture  24:53 The Role of Managers in Organizational Success  30:01 Empowering Middle Managers  37:22 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership  37:49 Effective Onboarding Practices

    45 min

  3. OCT 30

    141 | Mentoring, Peer Learning, and AI: The Future of Workplace Development | Barbara Carroll & Lisa Melody

    Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the third challenge from the Mind the Gap research report, focusing on the importance of learning and development in organizations. Joined by guests Barbara Carroll and Lisa Melody, they explore the significance of multi-generational workforces, the effectiveness of peer learning, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their training methods and embrace diverse learning opportunities to meet the evolving needs of their employees. In this conversation, Scott McInnes, Lisa Melody, and Barbara Carroll discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, mentoring, and the integration of AI in shaping future skills. They explore how organizations can foster growth through stretch assignments and collaborative decision-making, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in streamlining learning processes.  📘 Download Mind the Gap Report: https://www.inspiringchange.ie/mindthegap   Takeaways  Organizations are grappling with similar challenges in learning and development. Learning should be a core value within organizations. Different learning methods can enhance employee development. Peer-based learning fosters collaboration and accountability. Mentoring, including reverse mentoring, is increasingly valuable. Leaders must model a commitment to their own learning. Creating space for learning is essential for employee development. Understanding the 'why' behind training increases motivation. Simple interventions can lead to significant improvements in learning. Embedding learning in organizational culture is crucial for success. Learning is about practical experience, not just courses. The 70-20-10 model emphasizes learning through daily activities. Stretch assignments can significantly enhance learning. Mentoring plays a crucial role in development. Engaging leaders fosters a collaborative culture. AI can help identify skills needed for future roles, streamline learning needs assessments and enable more efficient learning material creation. Reflection on learning is essential for growth. The future of learning will be more personalized through AI.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research 03:53 The Importance of Learning in Organizations 09:48 Dynamic Training and Peer Learning 16:14 Multi-Generational Workforces and Mentoring 20:04 Leadership's Role in Cultivating Learning Cultures 28:05 Redefining Learning and Development 33:10 The Role of AI in Future Skills 43:43 Embracing Change in Learning Environments

    38 min

  4. OCT 23

    140 | Equipping Managers for the Future: Tools for Culture and Connection | Katy Lumsden & Neil O'Brien

    Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes discusses the challenges faced by mid-management in organizations, drawing insights from the Mind the Gap research report. Guests Katy Lumsden and Neil O'Brien share their experiences and perspectives on the evolving roles of managers and leaders, the importance of culture, and the need for effective communication and training. The conversation highlights the significance of psychological safety, resilience, and the necessity for managers to engage in tough conversations while fostering a supportive environment.     Takeaways  The mid-management layer faces unique challenges from both above and below.  Commonalities in organizational challenges can provide reassurance and strength.  Leadership and management roles are increasingly blurred in modern organizations.  Managers need to be equipped with tools to foster culture and engagement.  The say-do gap highlights discrepancies between senior leadership intentions and managerial actions.  Tough conversations are essential for growth but often avoided due to fear.  Psychological safety is misunderstood and misapplied in many organizations.  Resilience in younger generations may differ from previous cohorts.  Effective management requires understanding individual team members deeply.  Training for managers should focus on practical skills for modern challenges.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Mind the Gap Research  05:04 The Role of Mid-Management  08:39 Leadership vs. Management  16:18 Culture Multipliers vs. Bottlenecks  21:58 Shifting Mindsets in Management  23:37 Navigating the Transition from Peer to Manager  29:42 The Importance of Role Modelling in Leadership  31:51 Addressing Difficult Conversations  38:47 Resilience in Leadership and Generational Differences  44:37 Skills for Modern Leadership in a Hybrid World    Mind the Gap Research: https://bit.ly/3WMlS4C    What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety: https://hbr.org/2025/05/what-people-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety

    51 min

  5. OCT 16

    139 | The Critical Role Leadership Plays in Shaping Organisational Culture | Denise Black and Denis Doolan

    Episode Summary In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes sits down with Denise Black and Denis Doolan to explore the critical role of leadership in shaping organisational culture. Together, they unpack insights from the Mind the Gap report — highlighting the importance of intentionality, inclusivity, and the need for leaders to embody the culture they wish to create. The conversation delves into the consequences of neglecting culture, the essential capabilities leaders must develop, and the collaborative process of defining a target culture that aligns with organisational strategy. The episode wraps up with reflections on how leadership drives cultural change and performance across teams. Key Takeaways Leaders have a disproportionate impact on organisational culture. Inclusivity is essential for effective culture creation. Culture should be woven into the strategic DNA of the organisation. Empathy and active listening are critical leadership skills. Culture is not a standalone initiative — it enables all initiatives. Intentionality in leadership is crucial for cultural success. Feedback from employees is vital in shaping target culture. Communication reinforces culture and values. Leaders must model the behaviours they wish to see. A strong culture leads to better organisational performance. Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Leadership and Culture 04:28 — Insights from the Mind the Gap Report 09:24 — The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture 15:12 — Consequences of Abdicating Culture to HR 19:19 — Essential Capabilities for Senior Leaders 30:39 — Defining Target Culture 37:23 — Impact of Leadership on Cultural Change Resources 📘 Download the Mind the Gap report → bit.ly/4nT9jAo

    44 min

  6. OCT 9

    138 | Mind The Gap Research: Insights on Organisational Culture | Sadhbh O'Flaherty & Scott McInnes

    SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Sadhbh O'Flaherty takes over the mic to interview Scott McInnes about his recent research titled 'Mind the Gap.' The research explores the cultural challenges organisations face today, particularly through the lens of Chief People Officers (CPOs) in Ireland. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the research, key findings, and actionable insights for organisations looking to improve their culture. Key themes include leadership skill and will, the role of managers, the importance of learning and development, accountability for values, and the challenge of disconnection in the workplace. Scott emphasises the need for intentionality in creating a strong organisational culture that aligns with business strategies.  Mind The Gap Research: http://bit.ly/4gXtNp2    TAKEAWAYS Connection among HR leaders is crucial.  Understanding culture challenges requires frontline insights.  Leaders set the tone for organisational culture.  Everyone in the organization owns the culture.  Managers play a key role in translating values to teams.  Learning should be prioritized beyond formal courses.  Accountability for values strengthens organisational culture.  Feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.  Intentionality is key in fostering workplace connections.  Culture impacts business outcomes significantly.    CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Research  02:02 The Motivation Behind the Research  04:28 Leadership Skill and Will  06:55 The Manager Factor  10:54 Skills for Today and Tomorrow  15:09 Accountability for Values  20:54 The Challenge of Disconnection  27:22 Surprises from the Research  29:18 Connecting Themes to Business Outcomes  32:34 Actionable Steps for Organisations

    37 min

  7. JUN 12

    137 | Storytelling, Stakeholders, and Strategy: Communicating Change Right

    Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Catherine Fallon about the critical role of change communication in organizations undergoing transformation. Catherine shares her extensive experience in employee engagement and change management, emphasizing the importance of building trust and aligning stakeholders during periods of change. The conversation explores effective strategies for communicating change, the role of middle management, the significance of storytelling, and the necessity of engaging change agents to foster a supportive environment. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the need for honesty and transparency in communication to ensure successful change implementation.  Takeaways  Change communication is about building trust, not just issuing messages.  Effective change communication aligns people towards a common goal.  Resistance can cripple change programs if not managed properly.  Honesty and transparency are critical in change communication.  Middle management plays a vital role in translating change for their teams.  Stakeholder analysis is essential to understand different perspectives.  Stories can make change relatable and resonate with employees.  Engaging change agents helps to influence and support the change process.  Regular communication updates are necessary, even if there is no new information.  Treating employees like adults fosters a culture of trust and engagement.    Sound Bites  "It's not what you do, it's how you do it."  "Change is always going to happen in an organization."  "Building trust with the people going through the change."  "The worst case is resistance and friction."  "You want to know where the pockets of resistance are."  "Being honest and open is critical."  "Treat your employees like adults and don't infantilize them."  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Change Communications  02:51 Catherine Fallon's Career Journey  05:45 The Importance of Change Communication  08:49 Effective Change Communication Strategies  12:09 The Role of Middle Management in Change  15:05 Understanding Stakeholder Perspectives  17:49 The Power of Storytelling in Change  21:04 Engaging Change Agents and Influencers  23:57 Final Thoughts on Honesty in Change Communication

    38 min

  8. JUN 5

    136 | Navigating Organisational Culture Challenges | Clare Duffield

    Summary  In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes speaks with Clare Duffield, Assistant Chief Officer for People and Organisational Development at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). They discuss the importance of workplace culture, the challenges faced by policing globally, and the insights gained from a cultural audit conducted within PSNI. Clare shares the findings of the audit, highlighting both concerns and strengths within the organisation, and emphasises the need for trust, recognition, and support in fostering a positive culture. The conversation concludes with practical steps for implementing cultural change and the significance of connecting employees to the organisation's mission and purpose.    Takeaways  Workplace culture is about the experience of employees.  A clear mission and purpose are essential for organizational culture.  Cultural audits can reveal both strengths and weaknesses.  Trust and transparency are crucial for employee engagement.  Recognition of achievements boosts morale and culture.  Leadership visibility fosters trust within the organization.  Cultural change requires time and commitment from leadership.  Engaging employees in the change process is vital.  Understanding the context of culture is important for effective change.  Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements.    Sound Bites  "Culture is what's it like to work here?"  "We have to be able to give back."  "Trust starts with human connection."  "It's about the person behind the uniform."  "One step at a time. Marginal gains."  "We need to invest in the police service."  "Focus on the why. Why does it exist?"    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest  02:54 Understanding Workplace Culture  06:02 The Impact of Global Policing Challenges  08:56 Cultural Audit and Its Findings  11:48 Addressing Cultural Concerns  15:11 Positive Aspects of the Workforce  17:55 Building Trust and Support  20:49 Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements  23:45 Practical Steps for Cultural Change  27:02 Looking Forward: Implementing Change  29:58 Final Thoughts on Culture Change

    38 min
See All (144)

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hosted by Scott McInnes, founder of Inspiring Change, we talk to guests about how really good internal comms, engagement and leadership all contribute to 'Building Better Cultures'. We tend to shy away from theory and focus more on really practical advice, great stories and best-practice. About Inspiring Change At Inspiring Change we help our clients to connect their people to their strategies, their change programmes, their purposes and to each other. We do that by focusing on strategic internal communications, employee engagement and leadership. For more, see www.inspiringchange.ie ** IF YOU'VE ENJOYED THIS, PLEASE LEAVE A SHORT REVIEW**

Information

  • Creator
    Inspiring Change
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Inspiring Change 2021
  • Show Website
    Building Better Cultures

You Might Also Like