David Lassman

Distinguished Service Professor
H. John Heinz III College - Carnegie Mellon University
 

CULTURE

• 1. 1. Read two articles: “Organizational Culture” and “Elements of Culture”.
     2. As you read the two articles, please reflect on the following questions:
• What are the positive and negative aspects of your organization’s culture?
• Does your organization have “fundamental assumptions”?  If so, what are they?
• Your organization may have a strong, well-aligned culture.  If that is the case, what do you attribute this to? 
• What are the consequences of the culture, i.e. what is the impact of the culture on your organization’s employees?

STRATEGY

1. Read “The Coherence Premium” by Paul Leinwand and Cesare Mainardi (HBSP Product R1006F).  As you read the article, please reflect on this question: What are the capabilities your organization needs to be really good at and why?
2. Read “Building Your Company’s Vision” by James Collins and Jerry Porras (HBSP Product 96501). After you have read the article, please reflect on this question: What should be AHN’s BHAG and Vivid Description?

SESSION AGENDA

NOTE: all time references are estimates.

Culture (90 minutes). The assigned readings are “Organization Culture” and “5 Elements of Culture,” both by Lassman.

BREAK (15 minutes)

Coherence/Capabilities (45 minutes) The assigned reading is ‘The Coherence Premium’ by Leinwand and Mainardi. We will discuss this question, first in small groups, then as a class: "What are the capabilities your organization needs to be really good at?”  

Mission/Vision/Values (45 minutes) The assigned reading is ‘Building Your Company’s Vision’ by Collins and Porras.  We will discuss AHN's mission and values and how to live them daily.  Also we will discuss how to recognize those who exemplify/live our values and mission and what we should do when someone behaves against our values or mission.

BHAG and Vivid Description (30 minutes) The assigned reading is ‘Building Your Company’s Vision’ by Collins and Porras. Given AHN’s values and mission/vision, the participants will break into small groups to create AHN's BHAG and Vivid Description, then we will discuss as a class.

Wrap-up 5-10 minutes (if time):
• What did you learn in this session?
• What will you do differently when you return to work?