Making A Hard Left With Culture... Again

It’s both humbling and healthy to review one’s wisdom from times ago when it comes to the management of change.  It was in our February 2021 blog edition

entitled “Transforming Company Culture…. whilst riding in a moving vehicle” brings a few things to mind some many months later.

In that blog, we reflected on the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on the workplace, and the normalization of working from home. It was a challenging time for organizations as they tried to navigate a new operational model, often with cultures that weren't as adoptive to change.. We noted then that “those companies that chose to get ahead of the curve with a change to their culture in 2020 have had a mixture of success in the transformation, and in fairness, trying to make a quick change in corporate culture is a lot like trying to make a hard left turn with a loaded cruise ship”

For those organizations with an adaptive and ever evolving culture as part of their DNA, the effects of the pandemic on the traditional workforce model was difficult, but was addressed with enthusiasm and creativity.  But for many organizations, the challenge was addressed more with a set of tactical and process bandages with the goal of getting back to their previous version of “normal” as soon as possible.

What has evolved since 2021 has been a realization that change is hear to stay and that people have options, and will take them today. Businesses have responded with a stronger focus on employee retention, more collaborative management styles, increased respect for family needs. We now see companies anxious to post the "Best Place To Work" logos on their websites, not only to retain employees but to attract them as well. Corporate cultures had evolved and a balance between business and "people" was the scenario for success.

But another hard left turn, yes almost heading in reverse has emerged over the last few months, which will test the change capabilities and that newly developed cultural fabric of business. The suggested political intentions of the U.S. are pointing to a drastic shift in ethics, process, respect and fundamental expectations (if not rights) for humans.

These political intentions are planned to extend well beyond their borders and seem to be punitory for crimes that aren't clear to the punished. Estimated effects include international tariffs, business closures, job losses, stock market crashes, territorial disputes and a stress on the general public as if in wartime.

Those organizations with well developed cultures and change-adaptiveness will be truly challenged in this intended era. And those without those skills will likely be part of a crime scene. But they have an opportunity now, to plan, adapt and respond. This is more than just the threat that comes from usual competitive forces, this is a threat to the ground you stand on.

In Closing

These threats however, have fueled a cultural element that may just be the best counter-tactic ever... pride of country. Those political intentions of international tariffs have ignited a spirit of self-sufficiency, determination and pride not seen since, of all things, wartime. People and business cultures will begin to add personal emotions, demands and energies that will make change not only easier, but a determination for success not seen in years. Stand by. 

Cambiara Group. – March 2025