Fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity at Isle of Wight Council.
Challenge
Isle of Wight Council (IWC) embarked on a transformative journey driven by the recognition of internal pressures and external factors hindering organisational effectiveness. Facing communication challenges, leadership dynamics, and resistance to change, the council sought to bridge the gap between its current and ideal cultures. The overarching goal was to foster a culture aligned with its future vision, promoting collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. The need for cultural revitalisation was paramount to position IWC for sustainable success in navigating its evolving organisational landscape.
What we did
We played a pivotal role in facilitating the cultural transformation journey for Isle of Wight Council (IWC). Leveraging our expertise in cultural diagnostics and organisational development, we provided comprehensive support at every stage of the process.
We collaborated closely with IWC to design and implement a tailored approach to cultural assessment. This involved deploying industry-standard tools, the Organisational Culture Inventory® (OCI®) and the Organisational Effectiveness Inventory® (OEI), enabling us to quantitatively measure the organisation's current operating culture and effectiveness. As well as carrying out quantitative engagement activities such as workshops, interviews, and surveys to gather rich insights from staff at all levels of the organisation.
In addition, we worked in close partnership with the Corporate Management Team (CMT) utilising the OCI, 1:1 conversations and focused workshops to map their future, ‘ideal’ culture, enabling us to draw meaningful and accurate comparisons between the current and desired future state.
Through these initiatives, we uncovered key cultural strengths and challenges within IWC. By analysing the data collected, we identified areas for improvement and formulated targeted recommendations to address them. These recommendations encompassed various aspects of organisational improvement, including enhancing employee engagement, aligning vision and values, improving communication, and investing in leadership development.
Our efforts directly benefited IWC by providing them with a clear roadmap for cultural transformation. By bridging the gap between the current and ideal cultures, we helped IWC foster a positive and inclusive work environment conducive to achieving its organisational goals. Additionally, our collaborative approach ensured that all stakeholders, from frontline staff to the CMT, felt engaged and invested in the process, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to cultural change.
Overall, our partnership with IWC empowered them to embark on a journey of cultural revitalisation, positioning them for sustainable success in the ever-evolving organisational landscape. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we facilitated a transformative experience that not only addressed immediate cultural challenges but also laid the foundation for long-term organisational resilience and growth.
Activity
Organisational Development
We conducted a thorough cultural diagnostic and assessment process, utilising quantitative tools like the Organizational Culture Inventory® (OCI®) and qualitative engagement activities.
Workforce change management
Through workshops, interviews, and surveys, we gained insights into IWC's current culture and identified areas for improvement. Leveraging our expertise, we formulated targeted recommendations and provided practical support to guide IWC through the process of cultural transformation, ensuring alignment with their organisational goals.
Impact
Our cultural diagnostic and assessment had a tangible impact which will enable the Isle of Wight Council (IWC) to make measurable improvements in organisational effectiveness and employee engagement. By identifying key cultural strengths and challenges, the assessment guided the formulation of 13 targeted recommendations aimed at fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
As a result of our intervention, IWC experienced enhanced employee engagement, with a notable increase in participation levels across the organisation. Additionally, the implementation of our recommendations will lead to improvements in communication, leadership dynamics, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to a more cohesive and aligned organisational culture.
The customer valued our solution for its comprehensive approach and practical recommendations tailored to their specific needs. They appreciated the clear roadmap provided, enabling them to navigate the complexities of cultural transformation with confidence. Ultimately, our partnership with IWC facilitated a cultural revitalisation that positioned them for sustainable success in achieving their organisational goals.
