What happens when the ice cream is gone? 🍦
LinkedIn has been awash with posts about organisations buying ice creams and lollies for their teams during this rather spectacular British summer.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
🍦It’s generous.
🍦It’s thoughtful.
🍦It might make someone’s afternoon a little better.
But what happens when the ice cream is gone?
Because there’s a difference between creating a great place to work and creating a place where great work gets done.
The first can sometimes be reduced to perks, benefits and occasional gestures of appreciation.
The second requires something much more intentional.
A culture where people understand what they’re trying to achieve.
Where they have the autonomy and support to do it.
Where people can speak up, challenge, learn and contribute.
Where the systems, behaviours and leadership around them help them perform at their best.
So, by all means, buy the ice creams.
But don’t confuse the ice cream with the culture.
Because when the temperature drops, the freezer is empty and the last wrapper is in the bin…
What remains?
That’s where your culture really matters 🍦
If you’re wondering whether your culture is genuinely helping people do great work, I’d be happy to have a no-obligation conversation.
