In many organizations, there can be a noticeable gap between the language and rhetoric used in corporate communications, often referred to as “corporate speak,” and the actual corporate culture experienced by employees. This dissonance can lead to confusion, frustration, and a lack of alignment between the organization’s stated values and its day-to-day practices. In this guide, we’ll explore what to do when corporate speak doesn’t match corporate culture and provide strategies for addressing this issue effectively.
1. Understand the Discrepancy
The first step in addressing the misalignment between corporate speak and corporate culture is to understand the root causes of the disconnect. Take the time to analyze the language used in corporate communications, such as mission statements, values statements, and internal memos, and compare it to the lived experiences of employees within the organization. Identify specific areas where the language used by leadership or in official communications does not accurately reflect the organization’s actual culture, practices, or values.
2. Foster Open Communication
Encourage open and honest communication within the organization to address the gap between corporate speak and corporate culture. Create opportunities for employees to provide feedback, share their experiences, and voice their concerns about the disconnect they perceive between the organization’s stated values and its actual practices. Foster a culture of transparency and authenticity where employees feel comfortable expressing their perspectives without fear of retribution or judgment.
3. Lead by Example
Leadership plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between corporate speak and corporate culture. Lead by example and demonstrate the organization’s values through your actions and behaviors. Align your communication style with the organization’s stated values and strive to create a culture that reflects those values in practice. Model the behaviors you expect to see from employees and hold yourself and others accountable for upholding the organization’s values in all aspects of their work.
4. Align Policies and Practices
Review and assess the organization’s policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they align with the organization’s stated values and desired culture. Identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies between corporate speak and actual practices and take steps to address them. Update policies and procedures as needed to reflect the organization’s values and promote a culture of integrity, fairness, and respect.
5. Invest in Employee Development
Invest in employee development and training programs to promote a culture that aligns with the organization’s values. Provide employees with opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge, and capabilities in line with the organization’s values and desired culture. Offer training sessions, workshops, and resources focused on topics such as ethical decision-making, diversity and inclusion, and effective communication to reinforce the organization’s values and foster a positive corporate culture.
6. Solicit Employee Input
Seek input and feedback from employees at all levels of the organization on how to bridge the gap between corporate speak and corporate culture. Conduct surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one meetings to gather insights and perspectives from employees on their experiences and perceptions of the organization’s culture. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to better align corporate communications with the organization’s actual culture and values.
7. Address Inconsistencies
Take proactive steps to address any inconsistencies or discrepancies between corporate speak and corporate culture. Identify specific areas where the organization’s language or rhetoric does not align with its practices or values and develop action plans to address these discrepancies. Communicate openly and transparently with employees about the steps being taken to address the misalignment and involve them in the process of creating positive change within the organization.
8. Celebrate Successes
Recognize and celebrate successes in bridging the gap between corporate speak and corporate culture. Acknowledge and reward employees who exemplify the organization’s values in their work and contribute to creating a positive and inclusive culture. Share success stories and examples of employees living the organization’s values to inspire others and reinforce the importance of aligning corporate communications with the organization’s actual culture.
9. Foster a Culture of Accountability
Promote a culture of accountability within the organization where employees are held responsible for upholding the organization’s values and aligning their actions with its stated principles. Hold leaders and employees accountable for their behavior, decisions, and actions, and address any instances of misconduct or behavior that contradicts the organization’s values. Establish clear expectations for behavior and performance aligned with the organization’s values and hold individuals accountable for meeting those expectations.
10. Continuously Monitor and Adapt
Continuously monitor and assess the alignment between corporate speak and corporate culture and adapt your approach as needed to address any ongoing discrepancies or challenges. Regularly review feedback from employees, evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between corporate speak and corporate culture, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure ongoing alignment with the organization’s values and desired culture.
Addressing the gap between corporate speak and corporate culture requires a proactive and multifaceted approach that involves fostering open communication, leading by example, aligning policies and practices, investing in employee development, soliciting employee input, addressing inconsistencies, celebrating successes, fostering a culture of accountability, and continuously monitoring and adapting. By taking deliberate steps to bridge this gap and create a culture that aligns with the organization’s values and desired outcomes, organizations can foster a positive and inclusive work environment that supports employee engagement, retention, and overall success.