This past weekend was the 40th anniversary of two musical symbols, Woodstock and the taking of the picture on the cover of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album.
This famous photo showing the four musicians walking across a crosswalk in London has been recreated on thousands of tourist cameras and on several other album covers over the years.
Both of these events represent more than just music- they represent cultural change.
Symbols and signs also help define an organization’s culture. They can take many forms. For example the space planning of an office can symbolize its values. Executive dining rooms have diminished while employee lunch rooms often get the best view.
Parking spaces can send a message. Some are held for executives as a perk while others are reserved for the employee of the month. Still others offer unreserved spaces for all.
I know of one company where the founder’s office was left vacant years after his death. This symbolized the respect for his legacy. Other organizations would rebuild the office right away to show the desire to move in a new direction.
What are the symbols in your office? What messages are they conveying?
Having an awareness not only of the symbols, but of the messages they send, will help you create a culture that reflects the values and vision you desire.