Good reads: Culture by Design

• Culture is the Behavior You Reward and Punish: Actions and behaviors leaders reward or penalize are the cornerstone of company culture. Leaders can shape these behaviors, and advocate for a conscious approach in building the right culture and behaviors to reflects company aspirations.
• You Don't Have a Culture Problem, You Have a Management Problem: This article challenges the common diagnosis of a 'culture problem' in organizations, arguing that the root cause often lies in management practices. It talks around how management failures can masquerade as cultural issues, offering guidance on how leaders can address these underlying problems to build a stronger, more cohesive culture.
  
• Know How Your Org Works (Or How to Become a More Effective Engineer): Understanding the organizational structure and dynamics is the key for any engineer aiming to be more effective and impactful. It explores the importance of navigating organizational politics, understanding workflows, and leveraging this knowledge to align engineering practices with the overarching goals of the organization, thereby enhancing both personal and team productivity.
  
• Creating an Anti-Toxic Culture: In an era where workplace toxicity is increasingly under scrutiny, this article offers practical advice for engineering leaders on how to proactively cultivate an environment that is not just free from toxicity but actively promotes a culture of support, empathy, and inclusivity. It provides actionable steps for leaders to foster a healthy workplace, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication, empathy, and a zero-tolerance policy towards toxic behaviors.
  
• How and Why RFCs Fail: Diving into the RFC process, this piece uncovers the nuanced ways in which these tools can fall short as they mirror the broader cultural challenges within engineering teams. It offers key insights into improving the RFC process—emphasizing clarity, inclusivity, and constructive feedback—to foster a culture of open dialogue and collaboration.

Takeaway

Culture isn’t a happy accident. It’s the result of the conscious choices we make, from how we handle RFCs to the behaviors we reward. As leaders, the mandate is clear—shape these choices towards building a culture that aligns with our vision for our teams and organizations.

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