Culture Is The Way – Book Review

Author: Matt Mayberry

Category: Leadership

Audience: Leaders, Investors, Team Managers

Overview: This review highlights how Culture Is The Way positions leadership as the primary driver of culture, emphasizing that lasting impact requires structured development, coaching, and accountability across the organization.

Culture Is The Way by Matt Mayberry is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller. When I picked it up recently, I found out why. The author provides a depth of valuable information and programs based on his approach.

There are 12 chapters that define culture, identify roadblocks, a playbook, what it takes to sustain the impact of these changes, and how the leadership is the ultimate differentiator in the program’s execution as well as the Chief Culture Driver.

I found Chapter 10, ‘The Ultimate Differentiator is Leadership,’ to be particularly interesting.

First, the author outlines 5 key elements needed to develop a leadership program focused on improving their company’s culture. This program needs to be:

1. Personalized

2. Ongoing

3. Include leadership development at all levels

4. Provide on-the-job training

5. Coaching.

The author refers to these as elements. In my world, I would say they are ‘non-negotiables’ for helping leadership work towards improving their organization’s culture!

The author acknowledges that when first presented to a leadership team, it seemed an overwhelming program. Given time, guidance and clear approaches, they overcame this. This chapter is followed with Leadership Action Steps and Reminders.

Chapter 12 is entitled ‘Be a Chief Culture Driver.’ Here is where the author makes a point that this is not solely leadership’s responsibility. Yes, they are responsible for identifying how they choose to approach the process of improving their organization’s culture, but the ultimate responsibility for ongoing improvement rests not only on their shoulders, but those of managers and supervisors as well. This involves providing on-the-job training and coaching.

I find that elements 4 and 5 are not always carried forward from leaders to executives and managers, and it seems to me a very important element. This book is one of the few I have read that speaks to the importance of this approach and how to implement.

All in all, I would suggest this book for leaders, executives, and managers to learn not only the strategical and tactical approach towards improving their company culture, but also consider the why and who.

A great read for leaders who need and want the strategies, tactics and whys answered.

Cynthia Kyriazis is the Chief Experience Officer at The Culture Think Tank. Her experience includes executive coaching, consulting, and training. Book a 15-minute chat to discuss your people, performance, or profit challenges.