Culture Trumps Everything
I have heard John Maxwell make that statement many times and I never get tired of hearing him teach on the subject of culture. This past February, at our semi-annual event, was no different. I think it’s one of John’s favorite topics to teach on because it is so important.
In simple terms, culture is a way of life and there is no better example of a thriving culture than the John Maxwell Team. One of my favorite quotes from John is; “Don’t tell them what you’re going to do – that’s vision. Do what you are going to do – that’s culture.”
Many who join the John Maxwell Team show up full of ideas on what they are going to do but it does not take long for them to hear one about one of the gaps that keeps us from what we say we are going to do to actually doing it. In fact, John says this is the greatest gap we face – the gap between what we know and what we do.
I was no different when I joined the team almost three years ago. For more than a year, I studied the material and poured myself into the program but actually did very little with what I knew. Then a few of my mentors called me out and pushed me to be more intentional in applying what I knew into what I did. That one little change in my method made a huge difference in my productivity.
Another topic that John touches on is values. One of the awesome things about the John Maxwell Team is that everyone places such a high regard on their teammates. It is truly a collaborative and not a competitive culture. Everyone works together to help each other along.
Even though the team is made up of countless leaders, you will never hear anyone describe them as such. As John has taught us, if you have to tell people you’re the leader, you’re not. The culture within the team is about the good of the team. We collectively share in our successes and learn from our failures.
This team is a collection of like-minded individuals that share common values and work together to build each other up and refuse to let anyone get left behind. I have never served in the military myself, but I think I have an understanding, or at least an appreciation, of the concept “no one gets left behind.” The comradery of this team is amazing and it is a true reflection of the leadership within the team.
This last training we had a special surprise when John introduced Dan Cathy, president of Chick-FIl-A, to join him on stage. Dan and John have been friends for years and the Chick-Fil-A annual event was being held right after ours at the same location in Orlando and Dan was gracious enough to spend some time with us.
Watching them on stage together was a real treat and you could tell that they definitely shared similar views on the topic of leadership. Both men have a clear a strong passion for their people and the way they run their respective businesses reflects that.
Dan shared his thoughts on the idea that leadership is 80% what you do and 20% what you say and that great leadership is creating opportunities for your people and not simply to be a facilitator of change. John has often said all leaders cast vision, good leaders put their team in the picture, but great leaders put their team in the center of the picture. It’s not too hard to figure out why both these men have been able to create and lead cultures that thrive.
About the Author
Building What Matters
Barry started a leadership development business called Building What Matters in 2011.
An international speaker, trainer and coach focused on leadership, communication and personal growth, Barry adds value to those around him every day.
Barry believes in building what matters and what matters is people.