The Attributes of Cultural Leadership

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Ron Strieker

November 17, 2008

Cultural leaders create an authentic and engaged followership. Leaders who understand the culture in which they lead are genuinely connected to those around them. The individuals throughout the organization are the ones that make things work every day. Leaders are often focused on creating the right strategy or tactics to get to the "promised land." They invest a great deal of time and energy formulating plans based upon beating the competition, understanding the market or developing new products. In the process of attempting to do the right thing, they fail to address the single most key element: culture. 

It can be argued that Colin Powell was a great leader of the armed forces. His reputation as a military leader was stellar and without dispute. However, when he became a member of the Bush administration; he was not as successful. The cultural context had changed - it demanded a different style of leadership. This often times happens to great leaders. They are placed into a different organizational context with a different set of cultural expectations. Let's take a look at the elements of culture and what it means to lead effectively.

Cultural Leadership is About Language
Every culture has symbols and communication patterns that represent a language that everyone understands. The Australian aboriginal language consists of land symbols, such as the lizard, snake or wind. If leaders are to lead the Aborigines, they had better be very familiar with these land symbols and be able to speak the language. And leaders of Citibank need to understand the language of private, commercial, consumer and investment banking. In all cases, cultural leaders must be in tune with the language that is used to effectively influence others.   

Leaders who do not use the symbols and language of the culture will fail.

Cultural Leadership is About Beliefs
Beliefs are based upon customs and values that have been formed over the test of time. Beliefs move people to act. They are trusted by the culture and often times become the basis for their actions. When traveling to the many church services across the country, you can hear a clear message of the congregation's beliefs. These leaders are immersed in the beliefs of those who follow them. Frankly, some of our greatest leaders have come from such backgrounds. Cultural leaders understand the origins of these belief systems and are able to incorporate these notions into their language and actions. Ford Motor Company believes that "Quality is Job One."  Yes, this is a marketing slogan; however, it is also a deeply felt belief of the culture.  

Leaders who do not share the beliefs of the culture will fail.
 
Cultural Leadership is About the Group
Cultural leaders understand group dynamics. They understand how groups are formed and the significance of group power. As with all groups, they understand the importance of conflict and when to use it to move the group forward. Cultural leaders facilitate well and get out of the way to allow group momentum and process to take over. They understand that each group is made of individuals with their own language and beliefs. They know how to speak to and motivate each member. 

Leaders who do not understand the elements of group dynamics will fail.

Cultural Leaders Understand the Tribe
Cultural leaders have a keen sense and understanding of the tribe. If you're not familiar with the term, a tribe is a coherent group of individuals with a common language centered around common beliefs and purpose.

Cultural leaders who understand the tribe mentality will lead a shared interest towards a common goal and purpose. They will stimulate the passions of member visioning and straight talk. As Seth Godin states in his bestselling book, Tribes, leaders must know and understand the intricacies of each tribe member to create a meaningful followership. 

Finally, cultural leaders will attend to the needs of the younger generations in the tribe to be certain they are aware of the cultural traditions and get them purposefully engaged to generate new thought and progress for the future.

Leaders who do not strengthen the tribe will fail.

Cultural leaders must be particularly aware of those around them and the environment in which they live. They must tune into the pulse of the organization. This breathing cultural organism provides the wealth and prosperity for its members. The leader who understands this will not only grow and prosper personally, but will provide for the generations to come.

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