Question

1. Culture - how is it defined and why does it matter?

2. What does this mean exactly? Let's discuss how this shows up in our work and home life

3. A culture of feedback - How good are you at giving feedback? How good are you at receiving it?

4.When was the last time your direct report or supervisor gave you feedback? How did it feel? When was the last time you gave feedback? How did it feel?

Answer 1

1. Culture is defined as a set of beliefs, ideas and practices that drive an environment. If it's at workplace, it gets driven through an amalgamation of organization beliefs, vision, communication ,approach towards problems &a diversity. If culture in the context of society, it relies mostly on rituals, language, ethnicity and surroundings.

Culture plays an important role because:

1) It determines output of an individual. It might influence him/her to perform better or deteriorate.

2) It shapes an individual's preferences/growth in career and in life.

2. Culture in worklife : Some companies have a culture of adhering strictly to the business hours and no employee is allowed to venture outside the office premises without urgencies. However, some companies believe in flexibility and promote the idea of work at home or work without any restrictions.

Culture at home: Some houses have a strict timetable of dietary , nocturnal and work practices. They run as per the clock. However, some families do not follow time with due diligence and enjoy living as per mood.

3. Culture of feedback plays an important role at the workplace as it enables an employee to know how he/she is doing and what needs to be done to achieve the true potential.

I am good at receiving feedback (regardless of the fact that it is positive or negative) provided it is given in a constructive manner. Feedback conveyed with right words at the right place, can motivate an employee to perform better.

4. Feedbacks are usually given at the time of yearly appraisals. However, they can also be given in short terms/at regular intervals also.

I had received a feedback from the manager, I had directly reported to. Hearing positive feedback motivated me to do better and benefitted my self confidence.

I shared feedback with team members during the course of a project. If explained with plausible facts , feedback is received well. Since it was perceived in good spirits, it felt good.