Culture and Coffee Colin D Ellis

This is a topic that is close to my heart and critical to any organisation's success: the interplay between culture and strategy.

In this episode, we explore the striking parallels between the football community and the business world. Just as a football team requires a clear vision and a well-defined strategy to clinch victory, so does any organisation aiming for success.

Strategy: The 'Why' Behind Every Goal We delve into the importance of strategy, not just as a buzzword, but as the compass that guides an organisation towards its vision. It's about defining the 'why' behind every action and ensuring that every move aligns with the overarching goals.

Culture: The 'How' of Your Team's Play But what about the 'how'? This is where culture comes into play, and I share insights on why "culture eats strategy for breakfast." It's the driving force that can either propel your strategy forward or hold it back.

The Investment Imbalance I've observed a curious trend: organisations often pour resources into crafting strategies but only sprinkle a little attention on culture. It's time to balance the scales and recognise that nurturing a strong culture is pivotal for delivering on your strategy.

The Operating Model: Your Team's Formation We also touch on the operating model – think of it as your team's formation on the field. Culture shapes this model, and it's essential to invest in a robust culture that supports your strategic objectives.

Values: Your Team's Heartbeat Values are the heartbeat of your organisation's culture. It's not just the leadership team's responsibility to set them; it's about involving every member of the staff in defining and living these values.

Empowerment: The Coach's Strategy I share practical steps on how to define and nurture your organisational culture, from conducting culture workshops to empowering managers to lead cultural transformation within their teams.


Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.



TIMESTAMPS



Strategy and Culture (00:00:56)

Explanation of the link between strategy and culture in organisations, emphasising the significance of both.



Investment in Strategy (00:02:11)

Comparison of the disproportionate amount of time and money invested in developing strategy versus culture in organisations.



Vision and Strategy (00:03:27)

Definition of vision and strategy, emphasising the importance of a clear vision to steer the strategy.



Reviewing Strategy (00:04:31)

Importance of regularly reviewing the strategy and priorities within the business, with the need for quarterly business reviews.



Operating Model and Structure (00:05:33)

Explanation of the operating model's role in defining the structure and responsibilities within an organisation, with a comparison to the football community's structure.



Defining Culture (00:07:42)

Importance of spending an equal amount of time developing the culture as the strategy, including the role of values in shaping the company's identity.



Involving Staff in Culture Definition (00:09:06)

The significance of involving staff in defining the culture to create a sense of ownership and belonging.



Investing in Culture (00:12:02)

The investment and returns of defining and enhancing the organisational culture, with examples of improved engagement and productivity.



Defining Culture Approaches (00:13:54)

Two approaches to defining culture: running culture workshops for each department or teaching managers to build great culture.



Culture and Strateg

Are KPIs: Keeping People Inspired or Killing Performance?

That's what I'm talking about in this episode of Culture and Coffee. Let's explore the potential downsides of focusing solely on individual KPIs, and why I advocate for a balance between individual and team goals.


Episode insights include:


🎯 The KPI Conundrum: In my career, I've seen KPIs dictate pay raises and bonuses, and I've watched them drive success in sports, finance, and sales. But I've also seen the dark side: the silos, the communication breakdowns, and the toxic cultures that can emerge when we focus too narrowly on individual goals.


💡 The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

I believe in the fire that intrinsic motivation and personal values ignite within us. Yes, extrinsic motivators like financial incentives have their place, but it's the balance between individual ambition and team collaboration that creates a responsible and thriving work culture.

🤝 Embracing Team-Based Goals

That's why I'm a proponent of team-based goals, like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). They encourage teams to take the reins, fostering a sense of ownership and shared success that individual KPIs often overlook.

🌟 Aligning Values with Achievements

A values-led approach to collaboration and goal attainment isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. By aligning organisational values with team achievements, we pave the way for a harmonious and productive work environment.

🔍 The Research-Backed Sweet Spot

I wrap up the episode by diving into the research that supports the benefits of integrating individual and team performance measures. It's all about finding that "sweet spot" that satisfies both personal growth and collective success.



Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.



TIMESTAMPS

Introduction (00:00:01)

Colin's experiences with coffee abroad and his fondness for New Zealand and Australian coffee.



Issue with KPIs (00:00:58)

Colin's issues with KPIs, their effect on individual performance, and the emphasis on personal objectives.



Impact on Culture (00:02:53)

The effect of KPIs on organisational culture, compartmentalisation, breakdowns in communication, and toxic environments.



Ambition and Intrinsic Motivation (00:06:07)

A discussion on ambition, intrinsic motivation, and personal values in the context of individual and team objectives.



Team Goals and OKRs (00:10:14)

The significance of team-oriented objectives, the principle of OKRs, and their influence on value delivery and autonomy.



Values-led Organisation (00:14:33)

The congruence of personal and organisational values, and the advantages of a values-driven approach to collaboration and achievement.



Balancing Individual and Team Goals (00:15:27)

The necessity for complementary metrics to optimise individual and team performance, and the effect on engagement and productivity.

A staggering 80% of employees feel their performance management experiences haven't motivated them to improve. This is a wake-up call for leaders!

In this episode I delve into the fallout from not managing people effectively and provide ways we can redefine motivation and performance in the workplace.

I cover:


Importance of getting the best out of everyone in the workplace
Challenges of keeping people motivated and ensuring high performance
Managing underperformers and the impact on organisational culture
Research findings on performance management and motivation
Addressing underperformance and the need for consequences
Providing positive reinforcement and continuous feedback
Balancing consequences with creating a safe environment
Dealing with poor behaviour in the workplace and its impact on culture
Setting clear expectations and providing positive reinforcement for high performance.


Creating and maintaining a high-performing culture is no walk in the park, but it's a skill we all need to master. So, if you're ready to set expectations, provide reinforcement, and introduce a little jeopardy to keep everyone on their toes, then you won't want to miss this episode.


Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.


Timestamps

Introduction (00:00:01)

Colin Ellis introduces the podcast from Thailand, discussing his choice of coffee and the challenges of getting the best out of everyone in the workplace.



The Challenge of Motivation (00:01:08)

Addressing the challenge of keeping people motivated and ensuring they perform to their abilities, focusing on avoiding carrying passengers in a pleasant culture.



Recognising Underperformance (00:02:13)

Discussing the recognition of underperformance and the importance of performance management, citing examples from Gallup's survey and organisational restructuring.



Managing People Out (00:04:22)

Exploring the strategy of managing people out before they start, as exemplified by Tony Hsieh's approach at Zappos and Atlassian's induction process.



Expectations of Behaviour (00:06:31)

Emphasising the significance of setting clear behavioural expectations as the starting point for effective performance management.



Expectations of Performance (00:08:49)

Differentiating between behavioural and performance expectations, highlighting the importance of setting team goals and fostering a collaborative approach.



Positive Reinforcement (00:12:26)

Explaining the concept of positive reinforcement in providing feedback and praise for meeting expectations, and the impact on desired behaviours.



Feedback and Continuous Improvement (00:14:43)

Emphasising the importance of providing continuous feedback through face-to-face conversations and the role of empathy in helping individuals improve.



Consequences of Underperformance (00:18:09)

Addressing the need for consequences for failure to meet behavioural and performance expectations, emphasising the importance of clarity and the impact on organisational culture.



Performance Management and Behaviour Expectations (00:21:17)

Discussion on dealing with poor behaviour in the workplace and the options available for managing performance.



Effective Coaching and Training (00:22:05)

Importance of tight processes and empathetic coaching for safeguarding the organisational culture and setting clear expectations.



Getting the Best Out of Everyone (00:23:15)

Creating a work environment where employees understand expectations, receive feedback, and know there are consequences for not meeting st

Projects are the lifeblood of any organisation. They deliver on strategy, foster innovation and ensure you remain competitive, delivering for your customers. They are essential in turning organisational goals into reality, and yet we can still drop the ball when it comes to project delivery.



In this episode of Culture and Coffee, I'm explaining why planning is your project's best friend and how to do it well. I cover:


Navigating Common Project Planning Challenges
The Anatomy of a Project Plan
The Impact of Effective Planning on Project Success
Maximising Productive Time in the Workplace
The Responsibility of Project Managers and Senior Managers





Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.


TIMESTAMPS

The importance of projects (00:01:14)

Projects as unique, time-limited endeavours that create assets and drive organisational relevance and growth.

Challenges in project management (00:03:27)

Issues with insufficient investment and impatience from senior managers in project planning and execution.

The significance of planning (00:05:38)

The pivotal role of planning in project success, with statistics and examples to underscore its importance.

Components of a project plan (00:08:45)

Understanding objectives, defining scope, devising a schedule, identifying milestones, managing risks, and engaging stakeholders.

The planning stage (00:11:33)

The duration of the planning stage, its importance in project initiation, and its role in providing certainty and managing risks.

Work breakdown structure (00:15:32)

The process of decomposing project tasks, its importance in ensuring success, and the advantages of face-to-face collaboration.

Efficiency and consequences of planning (00:18:31)

The impact of effective planning on project objectives, resource utilisation, and employee well-being.

Productive Time (00:19:40)

Colin discusses the percentage of productive working time and the responsibility of project managers in assembling a team and a plan.

Integrity in Planning (00:20:34)

Colin stresses the importance of integrity in planning, decision-making for senior managers, and comparing the plan with the business case.

Importance of Planning (00:21:40)

Colin underlines the significance of planning for project success and avoiding failure, creating conditions for sustained success.

When was the last time you truly listened to someone at work? I mean, really listened, with your full attention?

In this episode of Culture and Coffee we dive deep into the art of listening—something that's often overlooked but is absolutely vital for a thriving workplace culture.



In this episode, I cover:

👂 The Lost Art of Listening: Did you know that a staggering 98% of us haven't been taught how to effectively listen? I explore how to listen not just to respond, but to truly understand.

💡 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Ever wondered what the real difference is? I'll break it down for you and show you why empathy is the secret ingredient to building rock-solid relationships and collaboration within your team.

🤝 Active Empathetic Listening: 'll guide you through the three crucial stages—sensing, processing, and responding—to help you master this skill.

🗣️ Feedback Finesse: Learn how to give feedback that's actually helpful by listening actively.

👀 Non-Verbal Cues: They say actions speak louder than words, and in the realm of listening, that's gold. I'll show you how to read between the lines and respond with care.

🧠 The Science of Listening: Our brains are speedy, but sometimes we need to slow down the info flow to really hear what's being said. I'll share some tips on how to do just that, even in our fast-paced world.

🛠️ Practical Tips for Everyday Listening: From making eye contact to ditching distractions, these are simple yet effective ways to enhance your listening skills.



Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.


TIMESTAMPS

Introduction (00:00:01)

Colin introduces the topic of listening and shares his interest in understanding workplace culture.



Understanding Human Endeavours (00:01:22)

Colin discusses the human nature of workplace cultures and the impact of upbringing and skills on how people work together.



Case Study on UK Police (00:02:29)

Colin shares insights from a review of the UK police culture, highlighting defensive behaviour of senior managers and the lack of humility.



Lack of Listening Skills (00:04:48)

Colin discusses the decline in listening skills and the tendency for people to listen to respond rather than understand.



Family Time vs Work Time (00:06:00)

Colin compares the time spent listening in family settings versus work environments and emphasises the need for conscious listening.



Empathy vs Sympathy (00:08:19)

Colin explains the difference between empathy and sympathy in listening, using examples of how they manifest in workplace interactions.



Building Empathy for Collaboration (00:10:21)

Colin emphasises the importance of empathy in building strong relationships and effective collaboration within teams.



Key Behaviour: Listening Respectfully (00:11:28)

Colin discusses the significance of respectful and attentive listening as a key behaviour for success in workplace culture.



Enhancing Feedback Skills (00:11:28)

Colin explains how improved listening skills enhance the ability to give effective feedback within a team.



Respectful Listening Habits (00:14:24)

Colin shares personal habits developed to improve respectful listening, including avoiding talking over others and recognising when no response is needed.



Active Empathetic Listening (00:16:22)

Colin introduces the concept of active empathetic listening and its three stages: sensing, processing, and responding.



Listening as a Demonstration of Empathy (00:18:15)

Colin emphasises listening as a demonstration of empathy, strengthening relationships and improving teamwor

We are taking a deep dive into effective to-do list management. Do you rule your list or does it rule you?

It's time to break free from the tyranny of the to-do list. Instead, use it to help you manage your time and prioritise so that what really needs doing is number one.


This episode is for you if you ever feel like you're drowning in tasks. I cover:

🛠️ Next Level Lists - we're talking master lists, daily lists, and the art of saying "no" to keep your workload realistic. Plus, I share how to carve out time blocks for deep work that'll have you in the zone.

🎯 Task List Mastery - from tackling the big fish first thing in the morning to setting smart limits and celebrating your wins, these tips are your ticket to a more productive day.


📘Learning from others

Stephen Covey's "First Things First," is a game-changer for sorting out what's urgent from what's truly important. Remember, not all tasks are created equal!

Ray Dalio's "The Changing World Order" got me thinking about how our productivity shapes the world. And Peter Drucker? His thoughts on strategy are like a compass for navigating the sea of to-dos. I've distilled their brilliance into actionable tips that you can apply right now.



Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out Inside Out Culture Podcast where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.


TIMESTAMPS


Impact of Low Productivity (00:02:06)

Colin reflects on the low productivity statistics and the impact of COVID-19 on productivity levels.



Challenges of Overwhelming Workload (00:04:23)

Colin discusses the overwhelming workload faced by employees and its impact on mental health and well-being.



Strategies for Effective Task Management (00:13:23)

Colin shares his approach to task management, including maintaining a master list and daily task list, and the importance of prioritisation.



Planning and Prioritising (00:18:50)

The importance of planning and prioritising tasks, including delegating, focusing on important activities, and managing time efficiently.



Task Management and Discipline (00:19:50)

Emphasising the need for disciplined task planning, estimating effort, focusing on achievable tasks, and avoiding ambiguity in task descriptions.



Effective To-Do List Strategies (00:20:48)

Colin provides tips for creating an effective to-do list, including planning, prioritising daily tasks, setting limits, and avoiding overburdening with recurring tasks.



Avoiding Distractions and Taking Action (00:22:39)

Staying focused on priorities, and taking action by starting the day with task completion rather than email checking.



Celebrating Task Completion (00:24:36)

Colin suggests celebrating task completion, maintaining focus during task execution, and removing completed tasks from the list to maintain productivity.