I talk and write a lot about the importance of culture, and how it's formed. Today, I want to talk about maintaining culture, which is something leaders seldom give themselves time to think about.
You see, culture is created at the top, sustained from the bottom and eroded in the middle of an organization. The people in the middle play a key role in making sure that the culture matches the vision of the team.
What is culture? It includes organizational behaviors, atmosphere and ways of doing things. And the tricky thing is that culture has a way of eroding on its own. It has to be maintained.
You can have the best innovative ideas, the best possibilities and the best opportunities—but if your culture is not strong enough to sustain that, you won't see your vision become a reality.
The middle sustains the culture by carrying out the vision of the top and leading those who sustain the culture at the bottom. They are the essential link in the chain.
If they don't carry the vision, no one will. If they don't relay important cultural cues from bottom to top (and top to bottom), the leadership and those at the bottom won't communicate effectively. The culture will begin to become fragmented, selfish and toxic.
A toxic culture will eat vision for lunch. This is why everything is about culture. The culture of your organization will determine your success, your satisfaction and your ultimate direction.
Be careful what kind of culture you advocate for and allow; and make sure those in the middle of your organization understand and can cast that vision to others. 
As a dream releaser, Sam Chand serves pastors, ministries and businesses as a leadership architect and change strategist. His purpose is to help others succeed. Sam Chand has served as senior pastor, college president, chancellor and president emeritus. A consultant and mentor to leaders of leaders, Sam Chand's singular vision for his life is to help others succeed. Sam Chand develops leaders through consultations, books and speaking engagements. Leaders are using Sam Chand's books as handbooks worldwide in leadership development.
For the original article, visit samchand.com.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
