Episodes

  • Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 5 - Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement of Culture
    May 10 2024
    Boeing is not the first company to find itself amid a massive scandal. You can think of Siemens’ bribery and corruption scandal, the VW emissions-testing scandal, the Wells Fargo fraudulent accounts scandal, or any other myriad of corporate scandals where culture failed and created a toxic culture. The question for any organization in such a situation is how to transform its culture. In this special five-part podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways a company in the depths of such a situation can plan out and take concrete steps to turn around and rebuild its culture. In this concluding Part 5, we explore the dynamism of culture and why ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement are so critical for a true culture transformation. Leaders must set a clear vision for a positive culture, emphasizing values such as excellence, safety, and community involvement, and stress the importance of proactive actions to foster a culture of excellence. However, even after assessing a culture, the culture transformation strategy, and the plan’s implementation, the culture transformation must be nurtured through ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement. Leaders must make culture a primary objective, consistently demonstrating core values while advocating for continuous culture monitoring and improvement. Both agree that cultivating a solid culture improves the organization’s bottom line, enhances the quality of products, and contributes to the betterment of communities. Key Highlights: Continuous Monitoring of Organizational Culture Driving Cultural Change in Mergers Successfully Culture is Dynamic Resources: Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 4 - Design and Implementation of a Culture Transformation Strategy
    May 9 2024
    Boeing has recently seen one of the most public meltdowns over corporate culture. In 2024 alone, there have been multiple incidents, allegations, and reports about the company in the public arena. The company is under investigation by numerous governmental agencies. Several news organizations have reported a ‘toxic’ culture at the company, and there are ripples throughout the worldwide aviation industry. In such a situation, the question for any organization is how it thinks about turning around its culture. In this special five-part podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways a company in the depths of such a situation can plan out and take concrete steps to turn around and rebuild its culture. In Part 4, we consider using the results from The Culture Audit™ to design and implement the transformation strategy. The pivotal role of leadership in constructing and maintaining organizational culture is an intriguing and vital topic. Tom Fox, a strong advocate of taking action to communicate values within an organization, asserts that leaders who genuinely care about their employees and demonstrate this through their actions inspire loyalty and dedication, thereby creating a solid foundation for a positive workplace culture. Similarly, Sam Silverstein emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture that values consistency, trust, and mutual respect. Silverstein posits that leaders who show they are there for their team members in times of need and consistently support them create a positive workplace culture where employees are willing to go the extra mile. Both experts stress that actions speak louder than words and that authentic leadership involves embodying the values of honesty, integrity, and care for others. Key Highlights: Values-Driven Assessment of Organizational Culture Upholding Values Through Decisive Organizational Actions Cultivating Organizational Culture through Intentional Leadership Resources: Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 3 - Assessing Culture
    May 8 2024
    Boeing has recently seen one of the most public meltdowns over corporate culture. In 2024 alone, there have been multiple incidents, allegations, and reports about the company in the public arena. The company is under investigation by numerous governmental agencies. Several news organizations have reported a ‘toxic’ culture at the company, and there are ripples throughout the worldwide aviation industry. In such a situation, the question for any organization is how it thinks about turning around its culture. In this special five-part podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways a company in the depths of such a situation can plan out and take concrete steps to turn around and rebuild its culture. Part 3 is assessing your culture to develop a transformation strategy through The Culture Audit™. The Culture Audit™ is a powerful tool for assessing an organization’s culture, providing a comprehensive analysis of its values, employee engagement, and accountability. It serves as a diagnostic tool, pinpointing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Think of it as a health check-up for your organization, revealing insights into aspects of your workplace culture that may not be immediately apparent. The value of cultural assessments extends beyond regulatory compliance; they empower leaders to foster an environment where ethical decisions are second nature. Silverstein emphasizes the essence of an action plan based on audit results to bring about desired improvements. Both Fox and Silverstein agree on the value of an external perspective in auditing and enhancing organizational culture. From The Culture Audit™, you can move to strategy design and implementation. Key Highlights: Culture Evaluation Through Comprehensive Cultural Audit Truthful Insights through Anonymous Culture Assessment Using Data to Design a Culture Transformation Strategy Resources: Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 2 - The Role of Leadership in a Culture Transformation
    May 7 2024
    Boeing has recently seen one of the most public meltdowns over corporate culture. In 2024 alone, there have been multiple incidents, allegations, and reports about the company in the public arena. The company is under investigation by numerous governmental agencies. Several news organizations have reported a ‘toxic’ culture at the company, and there are ripples throughout the worldwide aviation industry. In such a situation, the question for any organization is how it thinks about turning around its culture. In this special five-part podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways a company in the depths of such a situation can plan out and take concrete steps to turn around and rebuild its culture. In Part 2, we consider the mandatory role of corporate leadership in a culture transformation. The role of leadership in cultural transformation within organizations is a topic that holds great relevance in today’s corporate world. Experts like Tom Fox and Sam Silverstein widely agree that the success of an organization’s cultural transformation heavily relies on its leaders. Tom Fox, a renowned expert, opines that everything rises and falls on leadership, emphasizing that senior leaders are vital in setting the direction and maintaining the organization’s culture. His perspective is shaped by the belief in the importance of trust in the culture and the commitment of leaders to protect and defend the culture. Similarly, Sam Silverstein, another leading voice in the field, also believes in the crucial role of leadership in cultural transformation. Silverstein’s viewpoint is that senior leadership sets the tone for the organization’s culture, and their commitment to prioritizing and defending that culture is essential. He argues that genuine commitment to values such as quality, ethics, and valuing people will ultimately drive bottom-line results. Both Fox and Silverstein’s perspectives distinctly underline the importance of leadership in driving cultural transformation. Key Highlights: Transformative Influence: Senior Leaders Shaping Culture Cultural Transformation by Strategic Board Leadership Leadership Accountability in Fostering Organizational Culture Resources: Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Turning Around a Toxic Culture: Part 1 - The Problem
    May 6 2024
    Boeing has recently seen one of the most public meltdowns over corporate culture. In 2024 alone, there have been multiple incidents, allegations, and reports about the company in the public arena. The company is under investigation by numerous governmental agencies. Several news organizations have reported a ‘toxic’ culture at the company, and there are ripples throughout the worldwide aviation industry. In such a situation, the question for any organization is how it thinks about turning around its culture. In this special five-part podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways a company in the depths of such a situation can plan out and take concrete steps to turn around and rebuild its culture. In Part 1, we consider the steps that led Boeing to the current state of its corporate culture. A culture does not go toxic overnight. There are always multiple steps, roads taken (or perhaps not taken), and sometimes years for the toxicity to manifest itself. The cultural problems of Boeing can be traced back to its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas, which has since manifested in significant safety and quality issues. This issue highlights the importance of prioritizing quality over stock performance, a lesson to be learned for the future of the commercial airline industry. The root of Boeing’s problems lies in this shift in culture post-merger, from a quality-driven ethos to a profit-centered one, leading to a compromising situation for safety and quality. The company needs a cultural transformation that values quality, safety, and employee feedback for an improved company reputation. Silverstein highlights that the company’s cultural problem stems from a shift towards short-term financial gains after the merger. Drawing on his expertise in accountability, Silverstein underlines the importance of a culture that values quality, safety, and open communication, which is vital for attracting top talent, enhancing productivity, and, ultimately, maximizing profitability. Key Highlights: Shift in Boeing’s Prioritization Towards Stock Performance Impact of Culture on Mergers and Acquisitions Workplace Culture’s Influence on Business Outcomes Resources: Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • How to Repair the Broken Culture at Boeing
    Mar 29 2024
    Seeing the regulators catch up to the business world is always interesting. That is what has happened to corporate culture. The Department of Justice is now assessing the corporate culture of any company under investigation. Yet, more than simply complying with this mandate, companies should strive to foster the best culture they can. The reason is deceptively simple: the better the culture, the better the company. However, many business executives and even compliance professionals do not know how to craft a culture that allows your employees and your organization to implement such strategies. How can you unlock the power of a thriving workplace culture? In this podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, discuss ways companies can elevate their culture to new heights. This episode examines the current Boeing scandal from a cultural angle. The recent FAA report on Boeing has shed light on a worrying culture of fear, inadequate training, and mistrust within the company, leading to compromised safety standards. Tom points to management and cultural issues as the root causes of these safety failures. He insists that Boeing needs to foster a culture of safety, transparency, and open communication, without which it cannot rectify its current predicament. Sam emphasizes leadership’s crucial role in shaping a safe and open culture, arguing that leaders must take responsibility for any existing fear or retaliation. Drawing on his extensive experience advising leaders on accountability, Silverstein believes in the necessity of a culture where employees feel valued and can voice their concerns, suggesting that tough love may be the key to navigating Boeing’s safety issues. Key Highlights: Boeing’s Culture Impacts Safety Standards Encouraging Safety Concerns Through Open Communication Leadership’s Role in Shaping Organizational Culture How can Boeing start to rebuild its culture? Resources Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein is on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Continual Culture Assessments
    Mar 28 2024
    Seeing the regulators catch up to the business world is always interesting. That is what has happened to corporate culture. The Department of Justice is now assessing the corporate culture of any company under investigation. Rather than simply complying with this mandate, companies should strive to foster their best culture. The reason is deceptively simple: the better the culture, the better the company. However, many business executives and even compliance professionals do not know how to craft a culture that allows your employees and your organization to implement such strategies. How can you unlock the power of a thriving workplace culture? In this podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability, and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, discuss ways companies can elevate their culture to new heights. They discuss the power of continual assessments. The importance of culture within organizations cannot be overstated; it serves as the backbone for organizational success and growth. Leadership's power in shaping an organization’s culture requires leaders to live by the values they preach and ensure these values are mirrored in their actions. The existing culture should be continuously assessed through tools like culture audits. Achievements tied to the organization's unique culture should also be celebrated. Sam highlights that while all organizations have the potential to build a great culture, successful implementation depends mainly on leadership. He believes a strong, people-centric organizational culture can drive long-term success and growth. He urges the ongoing examination and enhancement of culture to foster a positive, high-performance work environment. Key Highlights: Cohesive Work Environment for Organizational Success Cultural Audits for Organizational Success The Need for Recognizing Workplace Success and Growth Resources Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • A Deep Dive into Culture Assessments
    Mar 27 2024
    It is always interesting to see the regulators catch up to the business world. That is what has happened to corporate culture. The Department of Justice is now assessing the corporate culture of any company under investigation. Yet more than simply complying with this mandate, companies should strive to foster the best culture they can. The reason is deceptively simple: the better the culture, the better the company. But many business executives and even compliance professionals do not know how to craft a culture that allows your employees and, thereby, your organization to implement such strategies. How can you unlock the power of a thriving workplace culture? In this podcast series, Sam Silverstein, the most trusted voice in America on accountability and Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, look at the ways companies can elevate their culture to new heights. In this episode, they take a deep dive into culture assessments, highlighting the significance of this process in maintaining effective leadership, employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Comprehensive assessment is a cornerstone for the success of organizations, underpinning their ability to identify weaknesses, implement improvements, and foster a strong ethical culture. Tom and Sam underscore the necessity of a comprehensive assessment for leaders to understand and manage all crucial aspects of their organizations, a neglect of which could be seen as negligence. They stress the importance of assessment in addressing key areas like stress, diversity, and ethics to attract top talent and boost productivity, profitability, and overall performance. Both advocates believe that without comprehensive assessment, organizations fail their stakeholders and harm their own success and reputation. Key Highlights Ethical Strength Assessment in Organizational Culture Enhancing Organizational Performance through Comprehensive Assessment Trust-Based Culture Audit for Effective Leadership Foundational Elements for Collaborative Team Success Inclusive Workplace Dynamics for Organizational Success Resources: Sam Silverstein Sam Silverstein on LinkedIn Sam Silverstein The Culture Audit™ Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins