Culture Is the Way

About the Author

Matt Mayberry is a former NFL linebacker turned highly acclaimed keynote speaker, consultant, and author. With a rich background in sports, particularly American football, Mayberry has successfully transitioned into the world of business, bringing with him the lessons learned on the field to help organizations build high-performing cultures. His extensive experience in the NFL and his insights into leadership and team dynamics have made him a sought-after expert in organizational development and culture transformation.

Main Idea

In "Culture Is the Way: How Leaders at Every Level Build an Organization for Speed, Impact, and Excellence," Matt Mayberry emphasizes the pivotal role of culture in driving organizational success. The book outlines actionable strategies for leaders at all levels to cultivate a positive and impactful culture that not only enhances business performance but also creates a lasting positive effect on the world. Mayberry argues that culture is the foundation of organizational excellence and provides a comprehensive playbook for building and sustaining a world-class culture.

Table of Contents

1. Is Culture Powerful? Ask a Football Coach
2. Five Elements of a Positive Culture
3. The Five Roadblocks to Cultural Excellence
4. The Five Steps to Building a World-Class Culture
5. Culture Implementation Playbook
6. Be Fanatical About Sustained Impact

Is Culture Powerful? Ask a Football Coach

Mayberry opens with a powerful analogy between football and business, asserting that the principles of a successful sports team can be directly applied to the corporate world. Great football coaches understand the importance of culture better than anyone, using it as a tool to attract top talent, foster teamwork, and achieve remarkable results.

Key Lessons from Sports Coaches

“Develop a burning desire to improve culture. Generate and bring positive energy daily. Don’t just manage your people, coach your people.” - Matt Mayberry

• Desire to Improve Culture: Leaders must have a relentless passion for enhancing their organizational culture.
• Positive Energy: Bringing enthusiasm and positivity every day can significantly impact the workplace environment.
• Coaching Over Managing: Effective leaders coach their employees, fostering growth and development rather than merely managing tasks.

Five Elements of a Positive Culture

Culture is the lifeblood of organizational excellence. According to Mayberry, there are five critical elements that define a positive culture:

1. Employee Energy, Excitement, and Value

When employees feel valued and involved in meetings, planning, and strategy sessions, their energy and enthusiasm can be extraordinary.

“Employees want to know they are valued. When this is communicated and consistently implemented by leaders, the amount of energy and enthusiasm generated can be extraordinary.” - Matt Mayberry

2. Alignment and Togetherness

For an organization to succeed, all its divisions must work towards a common goal, creating a unified front that drives performance.

“Great leaders and teams recognize this, and culture is the only factor that drives the execution of organizational alignment.” - Matt Mayberry

3. Clear Expectations

A defined and positive workplace culture provides clarity on the company's core purpose and priorities, ensuring that employees know what is expected of them.

“In healthy cultures, there is clarity on the company’s core purpose and priorities, and employees receive consistent feedback.” - Matt Mayberry

4. Accelerate Execution

Culture and strategy must work hand in hand to speed up execution and enhance impact. A strong culture supports the effective implementation of strategic plans.