Creating CultureXP and Surfing

Blair - CultureXP | 5 min read

You may be wondering what kind of Culture and Business lessons we can learn from swapping a business suit for a wetsuit? Surfing has been a constant learning experience, and it has taught me to be philosophical about life. Respect the ocean, be humble, get up after a failure, adapt to the conditions, persevere, take opportunities, learn from them and have fun.

There is something beautiful about Surfing. It is an art, a sport, a subculture, a mindset, and a connection with something bigger than me - the ocean. It has it all. I get the same feeling about my Culture work - and it is my "why" for starting CultureXP. Shared below are some of my favourite learnings.

Commitment

From the less than tropical water surfing in summer to the ice-cream headaches that come with cold water surfing in the winter. Paddling out through the waves, floating patiently and then drifting back to shore on a pulse of energy generated by the ocean: it takes commitment. And we need to apply the same commitment to our Culture journeys. This may explain why some companies do not focus as much as they should because the ROI can be 2-3 years down the line. However, I know from experience that when you do commit, you push the limits of your business further than ever before. Creating a workplace shaped by the core belief that everyone deserves to be inspired to go to work, to feel safe while there, and to go home feeling fulfilled with the work they have done. The closest thing to a perfect wave - without getting wet.

You cannot lead the Culture if you are not living the Culture

I am fully immersed in my surroundings when Surfing. Although scanning the horizon, I am living in the now. Fully aware of what is going on around me. The same goes for Culture. Its a long term game and having a Culture strategy and roadmap is critical. However, it is meaningless if you are not immersed in your surroundings, connected with your people and living the Culture daily. If you thought that leading and living your Culture was invisible to your people, it is not. It is often one of the first things that gets raised when I talk to people about their companies Culture.

Be accountable for your decisions and actions

I love the freedom of making and owning my choices when Surfing. Getting it right is priceless. Getting it wrong - a learning experience. I encourage leaders to lead their Culture evolution. Delegation is an option; however, this does not release you from your responsibilities of leading and living the Culture. In leading Culture, our actions can speak louder than our words. We have some incredible leaders locally and around the globe setting the benchmark. What's stopping you from being one of them? Please embrace Culture and live it daily because you will be an even better person and leader for it.  

Adaptability

Surf conditions change and so does your Culture. It's perpetual and continually evolves. Learn to adapt your Culture style to the changing conditions. Have a defined set of values to serve as your guide to keep your Culture's growth and evolution tracking towards your north star.

Live at the exit ramp of your comfort zone

Catching a wave outside your comfort zone quickly teaches you to face your fears. This may be in the form of commitment, courage, self-belief and owning the decision. Emerging from the wave safely, gives you a real sense of satisfaction (and gratitude). They say only a surfer knows that feeling. Starting CultureXP amidst COVID-19 definitely feels like we are living at the exit ramp of our comfort zone. But we are committed to the cause, trained hard for years, and Workplace Culture is our perfect wave. 

Thanks for reading my blog. Our world is better when we share, and I would love to hear your insights and stories. I have enjoyed connecting this with another love of mine - surfing. It has been a long time between waves. But as they say, you can take the boy out of the ocean, but you cannot take the ocean out of the boy. And before you ask, my new wetsuit is still hanging in the garage - COVID-19 lockdown rules respected.