So what do you do about it?

How do you create an awesome organizational culture?

You lead by example.

You hire great people.

And you educate your people on what it means to be masters of the human dimension. Corporate jedis, who are as skilled at the psychological and spiritual dimensions of work as they are getting stuff done.

People who take responsibility. Who, no matter what the challenge, ask themselves, “So what do I want to have happen? And what am I going to do about it?” People who don’t make assumptions about others’ intent. People who naturally extend the benefit of the doubt to their colleagues and their customers. People who are committed to bringing their best selves to work every day. People who make bombproof commitments. People who make requests rather than complaints. People who are able to say anything that is on their minds with both kindness and candor. 

Jim Collins calls these kinds of leaders “Level 5 leaders.” As for how to create them, he has no idea. He says it’s a black box. I don’t think it is. I think there is so much we can do to teach people how to be and what to do to have great relationships and manage themselves with real integrity.

It should be taught in kindergarten.

But it’s not.