In this conversation, Lars and Paulina discuss their experiences from a recent hackathon, emphasizing the importance of company culture and the role of middle management in shaping it. They explore the challenges of navigating culture change, the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the influences that have shaped their views on culture. The discussion also touches on emerging trends in leadership and the responsibility that comes with influencing others in the workplace.

Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/

Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/

Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/

Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/

Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/

Takeaways

🔥 The hackathon experience was both exhausting and rewarding.

🔥 Middle management plays a crucial role in shaping company culture.

🔥 Effective culture change requires equipping managers with the right tools.

🔥 Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed.

🔥 Feedback should be a regular part of team interactions.

🔥 Copying others' approaches to culture change often leads to failure.

🔥 Leaders need to be trained to manage effectively, not just promoted based on performance.

🔥 Creating clarity within teams is essential during uncertain times.

🔥 Every individual has the power to influence culture, regardless of their position.

🔥 The trend of young people shying away from leadership roles is concerning.

Chapters

00:00 Post-Hackathon Reflections

09:56 The Power of Middle Management in Company Culture

25:29 Coaching and Feedback Dynamics

28:12 Creating Micro-Clarity in Uncertain Times

30:10 Navigating Psychological Contracts

32:09 Trends in Leadership and Culture

36:28 Influences on Company Culture

42:12 Communication as a Cultural Foundation

43:47 Empowering Managers to Shape Culture

48:27 Cultural Behaviors for Team Success

In this engaging conversation, Lars and Paulina explore the often-overlooked role of middle managers in shaping company culture. They discuss Lars' personal journey towards fulfillment and how it parallels the importance of middle managers in fostering a positive work environment. The discussion delves into the moments that define culture, the tools middle managers can use to create change, and the myths surrounding culture change that need to be debunked. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the power of individual contributions to influence workplace dynamics and the significance of psychological safety in teams.

Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/

Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/

Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/

Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/

Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/

Takeaways

🔥 Lars has found fulfillment in his personal and professional life.

🔥 Middle managers play a crucial role in shaping company culture.

🔥 Culture is often defined in small, everyday moments rather than top-down mandates.

🔥 Psychological safety is essential for teams to thrive.

🔥 Every individual in a company has the power to influence culture.

🔥 Middle managers can create pockets of excellence within organizations.

🔥 Explicitly defining team norms enhances psychological safety.

🔥 Investing in employee growth can lead to significant cultural shifts.

🔥 Culture change can happen from the bottom up, not just from the top down.

🔥 Middle managers should recognize their influence and take action.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Fulfillment: Lars' Journey

05:59 The Role of Middle Managers in Shaping Culture

17:03 Moments that Matter: Culture in Action

33:52 Empowering Middle Managers: Tools for Cultural Change

40:53 Debunking Myths: Culture Change from the Bottom Up

In this episode, Lars and Paulina delve into the multifaceted concept of vulnerability in leadership. They explore how vulnerability can strengthen leadership, the importance of admitting uncertainty, and the impact of sharing personal experiences. The conversation highlights the balance between empathy and clarity, the significance of self-reflection, and the competitive advantage that vulnerability offers in today's workplace. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they emphasize that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful tool for building trust and fostering a healthy team dynamic.

Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/

Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/

Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/

Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/

Lars on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/

Takeaways

❤️‍🔥 Admitting uncertainty is crucial for leaders.

❤️‍🔥 Naming feelings can enhance team communication.

❤️‍🔥 Sharing learning moments fosters a culture of growth.

❤️‍🔥 Vulnerability builds trust and connection.

❤️‍🔥 Self-reflection is essential for effective leadership.

❤️‍🔥 Empathy must be balanced with clarity in decision-making.

❤️‍🔥 Vulnerability can be a competitive advantage in leadership.

❤️‍🔥 Leaders should model accountability and change behavior.

❤️‍🔥 Vulnerability is about the relationship, not self-promotion.

❤️‍🔥 Creating a safe space for vulnerability encourages openness.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Vulnerability in Leadership

04:12 Forms of Vulnerability that Strengthen Leadership

11:33 Practical Tips for Leaders to Show Vulnerability

13:21 Understanding Fake Vulnerability

18:01 Admitting Mistakes and Accountability

19:29 Staying Human During Tough Conversations

23:15 Personal Stories of Vulnerability

33:05 Fears and Challenges of Being Open

35:55 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership

37:18 Vulnerability as a Competitive Advantage

38:14 Trends in Leadership: Opportunities and Concerns

40:46 Key Takeaways on Vulnerability