From the rigid hierarchies of the 1950s to the strained employer-employee relationships of the 1990s to the tech startup frenzy of the 2000s, we are now entering an era of human-centered corporate culture. Masu.
In today’s uncertain world, professionals are reevaluating what’s important to them and questioning how and why they work. This shift will remind leaders to prioritize not just productivity, but also the professional development, well-being, and personal satisfaction of their employees.
This highlights the growing importance of company culture, and how culture can influence professional growth in a context where individuals are not just looking for a job, but a meaningful and fulfilling work experience. It shows that it has a direct impact.
In this episode of “At the Table,” we speak with Dan Shapero, LinkedIn’s chief operating officer, who has championed and shaped LinkedIn’s culture for the past 15 years. A deep dive into how company culture drives the success of both organizations and employees, and how business leaders can foster workplaces where culture thrives amid change.
Culture: Your organization’s compass
At the heart of any organizational culture are its core values and mission, which should guide all decisions and actions. Beyond the office walls of your mission statement, what’s more important is how you apply these values throughout your company. It serves as our compass, allowing us to guide every decision, action, and interaction toward a unified purpose.
At LinkedIn, we asked ourselves: Who are we as a company? What principles do we like to return to again and again?
Our ‘members first’ principle is reflected in every decision we make and empowers us to foster an environment where genuine care for our members is not only welcomed but valued. I am. It’s also a collective effort of our employees to develop our culture, emphasize what really matters, and most importantly, build products that are trusted. By sustaining a culture of inclusivity, innovation and integrity, we foster an environment where each individual contributes their unique skills to advance economic empowerment for all.
As Dan aptly points out, “One of the things I do is make it clear to everyone on the team what I value when someone is looking for a promotion. So when we see others being promoted for living our culture and values, it tells everyone that this is important.”
Technology and culture: a synergistic fusion
The impact of technology, including the rise of AI in the workplace and how it will shape the future of work, is a recurring theme in my leadership conversations. LinkedIn data shows the rapid adoption of AI skills, the faster pace of workplace evolution, and the growing demand for AI-savvy talent.
While AI is enthusiastic about its tasks, there is a new emphasis on the uniquely human qualities that set us apart. It’s as if the workplace has found a newfound appreciation for the human touch. As AI automates a variety of tasks, it’s putting a spotlight on soft skills, the uniquely human abilities that technology can’t reach. This change highlights the importance of an environment that values and fosters these skills.
Mr. Dan agrees with this opinion. “I think culture plays a big role in soft skills, but the important thing is how the organization recognizes that it is changing. Perhaps the cultural claims are the same, but the job We need to evolve the way we do things, and I think that’s a healthy thing.”
In a corporate scenario, it is not only important to maintain the status quo of cultural statements. It’s about fostering an environment that seamlessly adapts to the dynamic interplay of AI and soft skills. The corporate sector demands a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and human-centered skills, and a culture that reflects the adaptability of work.
Intergenerational dynamics: understanding different perspectives
Dunn noted that one of the most difficult challenges for employers is managing what different generations value in the workplace. For example, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to engage with company posts that mention flexibility compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers. The growing importance of development opportunities means that employers not only need to help professionals grow in their current jobs, but also chart a path forward.
Employee expectations are evolving. When discussing the new generation of workers, Dunn emphasized the differences. How does my work speak to what I value as a person?”
With Gen Z joining the workforce, today’s organizations face the challenge of managing and understanding what is important to each generation in the workplace. To build an inclusive culture, it’s important to find a balance of what works across each generation.
The way forward is to stay true to your organization’s culture and values (even if you have to revisit them)
As LinkedIn CEO Ryan once said, “Your vision (your “why”) should rarely, if ever, change. But your culture and values (your “way of doing things”) always need to be evaluated. ”
With the rate of change happening around us, adapting and reevaluating an organization’s culture and values is essential to moving forward while staying true to its foundations.
During our discussion, Dan shared four important questions for leaders to ponder.
What is important to you as an organization?
If your organization acted a certain way, what would you be proud of?
Are there moments when our employees feel stuck or heading in the wrong direction? If so, can we use cultural expressions to guide their actions?
How do you use your values to reinforce the behaviors you want in every moment you celebrate your team?
What struck me during our conversation was that organizational culture is a component of what a company is and what it aspires to be. I truly believe that empathy allows leaders to engage with individuals and better understand cultural nuances. Although there are regional differences, the desire to find value and meaning in work is consistent.
Understanding the culture we want to create or be a part of is paramount. By staying true to our values, we can build a strong organizational environment that gives us a competitive edge to win in the future world of work.
Let’s continue to navigate change and drive important conversations together.