5. How micro-cultures can change an entire company
Reading time approx 4 mins (930 words)
Significant change evolves. "Cash might be king" but it is intellectual literacy (not capital) that is creative and leads to innovation. Individuals have extraordinary "potential intellectual capital", yet their "Intellectual literacy" is seriously constrained by unconscious limiting beliefs with consequent multiplier effect within organisations.
No variation in organisational structure, leadership training, talent development or incentives will change the fact that in instances of conflicting interest or pressures, the unconscious mind dominates and both impacts and determines attitudes and behaviour
Re-programming one's unconscious mind, just like choosing and changing the data on our personal computers, is eminently manageable and well within most people's capabilities. It is one reason why "Mindfulness" receives increasing publicity. However, it is the extended application of "mindfulness" that offers opportunity for rapid change. "Epigenetics", a relatively new science has clearly shown environmental factors, lifestyle and development clues influence how our genes work. The link between biology and thinking is very real. The role our physiology plays is perhaps better understood by using the way we programme and re-programme our computers as a metaphor.
Computer “software” enables and determines how tasks are performed and the quality of interaction with other devices. Our genes function in the same way, yet Epigenetics has shown they are influenced by the environment. It is true certain genes are correlated with certain behaviour and characteristics, but those genes are not active until, and unless, a signal from the environment triggers them.
We are therefore not a slave to our genes
Contrary to general belief the brain is NOT the central controlling unit. In computing terms, it is the "processor", the chip that determines the speed and capacity to interpret and handle data.
“Control” lies elsewhere
It is the unconscious mind that is the hard drive that contains all the data: the mass of experiences and memories since conception including the pre-natal period. This data is full of inherited inaccuracies and myths and out of date information. As is the case with computers, input too much data and the system automatically will crash, slow down, or be corrupted. It could be said such a scenario is too often synonymous with peoples' workplace experiences.
We can however selectively manage that data
The conscious mind, once taught how to do so, can choose which data (subconscious beliefs) is of value, which to delete and which to adapt and develop. This is our creative "free will". It is not complicated. Limiting beliefs are learned and can be unlearned from choice.
One fact that should not be underestimated is our involuntary physical responses in the workplace. Our body is made up of trillions of cells. The membrane to each of those cells is incredibly responsive to the environment, to energetic signals and yet reacts very slowly to physical chemicals. Reaction to thoughts, which are simply electromagnetic charges, occurs at a phenomenal speed. Those thoughts are affected by our perceptions which are informed by our beliefs (inherited data). Everyone will be aware of how true this is, and how real and obvious the impact different thoughts have on us physically, and on how we feel!
The critical impact of the environment is even more clear from new scientific research in "Signal Transduction" and "Bioenergetic Resonance". Think of "Good" and "Bad" Vibes and how a string vibrating at a frequency that is in harmony with one nearby, causes that static string to vibrate in "sync". People naturally respond in the same way. Just remember the impact on you personally of walking either into a happy or a conflict situation.
In real terms the medium for facilitating change is the DAILY environment
Being "on the same wavelength" has real meaning and is either destructive, having a reducing impact or a constructive, amplifying the effect. Known as destructive or constructive interference the impact is very real and ever present. Understanding the potential impact of “Bioenergetic Resonance” has resulted in advanced medical practices. For example, electromagnetic signals are used to cause kidney stones to disintegrate which can then be excreted without the need for surgery.
The pain of unwanted kidney stones is unimaginable as is the relief from their disposal by applying the appropriate environmental conditions. It is indicative of the potential that may be realised if the painful and debilitating experiences of most current (highly stressful) work environments were removed!
The potential to change sub-conscious beliefs and fears is highly personal, coloured by one’s life experiences. Achieving such a change requires frequent daily mutual trust and support from, and for, colleagues. This can only truly be initiated with sound probability for success if the focus is initially on micro-cultures. For example, working with a small number of groups of nine people organised into three self-supporting units of three individuals
Focus on the process at that micro-cultural level and paradoxically, the means to introducing scalability will evolve naturally. Progress will be viral, simply because it works!
I respectfully suggest the ideal approach is to take a little time to understand this subject while being highly skeptical but not dismissive. You will be surprised.
The Next Step
Visit www.senseable.co.uk where you will find:
Cases illustrating how intuition contributed to achieving significant benefits in productivity, innovation, and mental wellbeing
Link to Teams community discussions on “Intuition in Business”
These seven articles (including this one) that explain the rationale, science, principles, structure, and processes in developing Intuition in changing organizational culture:
1. Why a 17th century idea limits business potential
2. The Discovery Process - an introduction
3. Why a different approach is needed
4. Maximising ROI - The structure
5. How micro-cultures can change an entire company
6. Nature’s clues to successful change
7. Developing courage, authenticity, and creativity
Check it out now www.senseable.co.uk