Taming the Culture Tiger

About the Author

Kate Price, the author of Taming the Culture Tiger: The Art and Science of Transforming Organizations and Accelerating Innovation, is a renowned expert in organizational culture and change management. With a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics within organizations, Price combines her extensive experience with scientific principles to provide actionable insights for leaders. Her work is characterized by a compassionate and thorough approach to understanding human behavior and its impact on organizational success.

Main Idea

Taming the Culture Tiger is a comprehensive guide to driving cultural change within organizations. The book explores the complexities of organizational culture, the challenges of transformation, and the elements of successful innovation cultures. Price emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior, creating psychologically safe environments, and leading with self-awareness and empathy. Through a blend of science and practical strategies, the book aims to equip leaders with the tools necessary to foster a thriving, innovative, and adaptable organizational culture.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Part One: Culture and the Challenges of Transformation
   • What Is Culture, and Why Should You Care?
   • We All Resist Change
   • The Power of Social Groups
   • How Our Brains and Beliefs Limit Change
3. Part Two: Expectations and the Elements of Successful Innovation Cultures
   • What to Expect on the Journey Ahead
   • A Unique Adventure
   • Envisioning a New Environment
4. Part Three: Preparing for Cultural Change
   • Becoming a Trusted Leader – It Starts with You
   • Building a Leadership Team
   • Setting the Scene for Engagement
   • Understanding the Current State
   • A Scientific Experiment
5. Conclusion

About Organizational Culture and the Challenges of Transformation

Organizational culture is often described as the personality of a company. It is shaped by the collective thoughts, actions, and behaviors of its members. According to Price, culture is "nebulous" and difficult to define, which makes it challenging to change. Leaders often lack training in understanding people and their motivations, which is crucial for driving cultural transformation.

"Culture has a huge impact on employee engagement, satisfaction, productivity, and well-being. It affects recruitment, reputation, retention, and the financial health and success of your organization." - Kate Price

Price emphasizes the importance of applying the same discipline to the human elements of an organization as is applied to technical and strategic aspects. Understanding how people think, act, and make sense of the world is key to overcoming resistance to cultural change.

We All Resist Change

Change triggers fear and uncertainty, leading to resistance. This is a natural response, as our subconscious is wired to protect us from discomfort. Fear provokes a stress response, impacting our health and cognitive abilities, and hindering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Organizations need to create environments that support cognitive abilities and well-being to facilitate change.