Cultural change is a key issue for the future for many companies and organisations because social, economic and technological changes require flexible thinking and action. Anyone working on the KIROI model knows that cultural change becomes a real success factor in the fourth step. Managers play a key role here because they are role models for change and adaptation[2]. But how can the transition to the new culture succeed and how can teams help shape this transformation in the long term? In this article, we will show you how to recognise cultural change as an opportunity, use practical examples from the industry and implement targeted measures from transruption coaching.
Why cultural change is so important in KIROI step 4
Cultural change is not an end in itself, but a necessary response to the digital world of work. KIROI step 4 is about activating managers as initiators. Studies show that new thought patterns and practices take root above all when they are exemplified by management[2]. Companies that invest in this area report stronger employee loyalty, more agile processes and greater innovative strength. Cultural change is therefore not a one-off action, but a continuous learning process that affects all levels[4].
Exemplary approaches from the industry
Many companies start the cultural change with open discussions about values and responsibility. A medium-sized mechanical engineering company, for example, has developed a «values compass», which was created together with teams and hangs visibly in the entrance area every day. An international consulting firm relies on leadership formats in which managers and junior staff try out new ways of interacting in dialogue. A digital agency has completely reorganised its feedback system in order to reduce hierarchies and promote creative solutions.
BEST PRACTICE with a customer (name hidden due to NDA contract): transruptions-Coaching launched a multi-stage cultural change programme for a global technology group. After an honest assessment of the corporate culture, managers developed a clear vision for the future in moderated workshops. This was translated into guidelines that are binding for everyone. Employees were involved from the outset, feedback loops were established and managers led the way as role models. The result: a much stronger sense of unity, faster decision-making processes and a measurable increase in internal innovation processes.
Recommendations for successful cultural change
If you want to actively shape cultural change, you need a clear strategy and, above all, the courage to question the tried and tested. The following steps will help you to implement this in your company:
Reflecting existing culture
Openly analyse which values and behaviours are currently practised and identify beneficial and obstructive patterns[3]. Tools such as employee surveys or open discussion groups often provide illuminating insights.
Actively shaping desired culture
Develop a mission statement that describes the desired cultural change and is comprehensible to everyone[8]. Involve as many stakeholders as possible to promote acceptance. An example: A logistics company organised joint value workshops and established a new feedback culture. An IT department has set up an innovation lab in which old thought patterns are systematically broken.
Strengthening managers as role models
Managers are crucial because their behaviour sets the tone[2]. They should regularly take part in coaching sessions to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses. Team coaching sessions support the entire management team in living and passing on the new culture together.
BEST PRACTICE with a customer (name hidden due to NDA contract): In a family business in the service sector, transruptions-Coaching launched a leadership programme that was specifically tailored to KIROI Step 4. The management received individual coaching sessions to reflect on behavioural patterns, while the team tried out new communication formats. The result was a visible change: decisions became more transparent, mistakes were discussed openly and learning was encouraged. The next level in the company adopted this attitude, so that the cultural change had a lasting effect on the organisation.
Make changes measurable and adapt them
Cultural change is a process that should be monitored and continuously reviewed[3]. Set clear, measurable goals and adjust measures regularly. An example from the creative industry: a publishing house has introduced key figures for employee satisfaction and degree of innovation in order to visualise progress. An energy supplier has developed a culture barometer app that regularly surveys the mood of the team.
Cultural change as a success factor in the digital age
Cultural change is not a trend, but a must for companies that want to be successful in the long term. The digital transformation presents many industries with major challenges, but also new opportunities. Those who openly adapt values and behaviours create the basis for innovation, commitment and satisfaction. This includes scrutinising old processes, actively involving employees and making managers fit for change[2][4]. transruptions-Coaching supports these projects with experienced coaches who provide impetus and professionally deal with uncertainties.
BEST PRACTICE with a customer (name hidden due to NDA contract): In a global software company, transruptions-Coaching initiated a participative process in which employees and managers jointly defined new values. The team developed practical guidelines for everyday life, tested them in pilot projects and optimised them iteratively. In this way, the cultural change was not imposed, but driven from within. The success of this process was confirmed by the increase in the innovation rate and the improved retention of talent.
My analysis
Cultural change is a key lever for sustainable corporate success, especially in KIROI step 4. Those who allow and actively shape change gain resilience, innovative strength and attractiveness as an employer. Managers who take responsibility and set an example for new approaches become a success factor[2]. For cultural change to succeed, it requires courage, transparency and structured support - for example through transruption coaching. This is the only way to turn theoretical change into lived practice that supports the entire company and opens up new perspectives.
Further links from the text above:
Cultural change - Wikipedia[1]
Mastering cultural transformation: KIROI step 4 for leadership[2]
Corporate culture - definition and steps for cultural change[3]
Cultural transformation: challenges and opportunities for decision-makers[4]
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