If you want to build a strong and productive culture, or you want to rebuild a failing culture, there are three elements that must be handled properly, and in order: Structure, Processes and People.

To build a robust culture, begin by looking at the structure under which people are working and make sure specific managers are accountable for the changes you want to see happen.

Scrutinize processes for inconsistencies, misalignment or unintended gaps. Processes must be developed collaboratively, requesting — and also accepting — input from all stakeholders.

People: make sure your team is as skilled and focused as possible and accountable for prioritizing change. (If you put inferior people in key positions, no amount of management effort will spin gold out of straw.) It’s every team member’s job to “walk the talk” and commit to building a great organization.

Do these three things properly and, over time, a strong culture will emerge.

  • In building your organizational culture, are you focused on Structure, Processes and People?

  • Which of those three needs more attention from management?