The 10 Worst Culture Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Overcoming ten common misconceptions about using the culture design framework

Giana Cadu/Stocksy

Culture is complex, but defining and codifying it shouldn't be. I’ve been helping organizations and teams map, assess, and evolve their culture for a decade. I’ve advocated for turning culture design into a discipline, and I’ve created multiple tools – most of which are free for anyone to use.

While the Culture Design Canvas has been widely adopted, there are many misconceptions about this framework. People often misunderstand its capabilities because they don't fully grasp how to use it, treating it merely as a template.

In this article, I address the most common mistakes to set you up for success.

1. Mapping the Ideal Culture, Not the Real One

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard

Capturing an idealized version of a culture on the Culture Design Canvas, rather than confronting the realities of the current state, is a common misstep. This approach can create a disconnect between the aspirational culture and employees' …