Thursday, May 8, 2025

Culture is the #1 Competitive Advantage: Mike Kerr

Stop Outsourcing Culture to HR From Toxic to Terrific: Small moments create big shifts Episode 256 (Mike is based in Canmore, Alberta) ---- In this conversation we explore: • The difference between workplace culture and humor—and how humor supports culture. • Why culture is a company’s number one competitive advantage. • The visible and invisible signs of strong or weak workplace culture. • The impact of leadership on shaping and sustaining culture. • Why every employee contributes to culture—not just HR or leadership. • How intentional values and small behaviors shape long-term culture. • The difference between healthy and toxic conflict at work. • Simple, practical ways to assess and improve workplace culture. • How humor, rituals, and fun foster psychological safety and team connection. • The concept of an "umbrella value" and its influence on decision-making. ----- About our guest, Michael Kerr: Mike is the author of 9 books, including, The Jerk-Free Workplace, The Humor Advantage and Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results. Learn more about Mike Kerr, his services and books at https://mikekerr.com/ ----- Key Learning Points from the Interview 1. Culture is a Competitive Advantage • Culture impacts productivity, retention, customer loyalty, and overall performance more than strategy alone. 2. Mojo Matters • Mojo is the vibe or energy of a workplace—it can be felt and should be maintained intentionally. 3. Humor Fuels Culture • Humor isn’t fluff; it builds psychological safety, encourages engagement, and reduces burnout. 4. Leadership Sets the Tone • Leaders act as culture conductors. Their words, mood, and mindset ripple through teams. 5. Everyone Owns Culture • Culture isn’t HR’s job alone. Every employee contributes to culture in every interaction. 6. Small Moments Have Big Outcomes • A culture is shaped more by consistent small gestures than by grand slogans or posters. 7. Define and Live Your Values • Real values are reflected in daily decisions, not corporate posters. Misaligned values create cynicism. 8. Conflict is Inevitable—Make It Constructive • Healthy cultures allow disagreement without blame or fear. Psychological safety matters. 9. Assess Culture With Gut Checks and Simple Questions • Ask: Would you recommend this workplace to a friend? What’s one thing you’d change? 10. Culture Attracts Talent • Great cultures draw top talent. But to win them, you must showcase culture honestly and creatively. ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In ...