Does the Perfect Workplace Culture Actually Exist?

Your culture isn’t perfect – and it never will be

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Sophia Hsin/ Stocksy

Throughout my career as a workplace culture designer, there’s one question I’ve probably been asked more than any other: “What is the best culture?” That’s like asking a teacher, “What does the best student look like?”

The odd thing is, as I’ve mapped and assessed many company cultures, the idea that there could be a perfect one often gets in the way. Leaders are attached to an ideal vision of how things should be. They expect me to tell them they have a “great culture” – they seek approval, not understanding.

Your culture isn’t perfect – and it never will be.

I’m not looking to disappoint you but rather invite you to see culture as a work in progress. It’s continually evolving. There are ups and downs, good days and bad days, moments when you feel everything’s working, and unexpected crises that shake your culture.

Perfectionist cultures focus on the best ideal …