Who we are trumps what we do

Strategy vs Culture

In the business world, there has been much discussion over what is more important, strategy or culture.

Simple put, strategy is what you do. It is the steps you take toward your success, your goals and the list of things you must do to achieve them.

Culture is how you do the things you do. It is a statement of your values.

You could summarize by saying that strategy is what you do and culture is who you are.

Culture Beats Strategy

Businesses that go the distance have clear definitions of who they are in terms of how they conduct customer service and the type of workplace culture they need to have to keep the best employees on board.

Well-known leadership mentor Peter Drucker has been quoted as saying, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” As far as business goes, who you are and how you do things can be more important than what you do.

This only makes sense. As consumers, we have more choices than ever. Where the product itself is more or less the same, we are going to buy from people we perceive as pleasant, trustworthy, or those who share our values.

It’s not what’s on the outside, but what’s on the inside that determines how to succeed in building a business.

Guard Your Heart

Jesus was talking about this long before it became a hot topic on internet blogs and around the watercooler.

Jesus made it very clear that everything starts with who we are inside. It is from the heart that all the good things and bad things flow out.

He said that hating someone in your heart was just as awful as murdering them. He said that looking lustfully at someone was just as sinful as fornicating.

Jesus taught that we need to be diligent and deliberate in shaping our internal culture. Living your best life is about being the best you on the inside.

How do we cultivate our internal culture?

The first step to being the right kind of person on the inside is to recognize the need for a cleanup. This doesn’t mean to wallow in guilt and self-flagellation, but just to acknowledge the places where the inner you needs an overhaul.

The Bible calls this repentance. It’s not to be confused with the chest thumping and hand wringing of remorse or regret. Repentance is not emotional but practical.

It’s deciding that you will never again do the stupid things that held you back from your perfect life of fellowship with God.

It’s not weeping and wailing. It’s changing direction.

It’s not how you feel, but who you determine you will be from this point onward. Not the same person, but better.

The second step is to define who you want to be. Ask for God’s guidance. He made you and knows you best.

Most of us, though, have a pretty good idea of where our strengths lie and where we can be the most useful. Sometimes it’s clear. You just know.

If your having trouble with this, look for a good church full of godly people who can advise you along the way.

The last and most important step toward cultivating a wholesome internal culture is to feed the person you want to be. Read, especially the Bible.

Take advantage of what’s available right here to help you get on the right track.

Don’t waste your time with empty entertainment that’s only going to distract you, confuse you, and impede your progress.

Also, associate with like-minded people who will encourage you. See above. You need to find a good church that doesn’t follow trends but teaches timeless truths.

Solitary Christianity has not been left open to us as an option. The church is one living, growing organism. It is, by definition, the Body of Christ on this earth with Jesus as the head. We are intended to support one another.

Your internal culture defines what you do. Take the time to ensure that your heart is indeed in the right place. Do the work to make certain it stays there.

It’s not what’s on the outside, but what’s on the inside that determines how you succeed in building your best life.