The number one force that shapes our culture is our core values. Our leadership team continues to focus on Organizational Health and the importance of our Core Values and how it drives our Culture. As Patrick Lencioni mentions in his book “The Advantage,” a healthy organization is defined as one that maintains a cohesive team, establishes clarity about what it stands for, communicates that clarity repetitively, and puts in place processes and systems to reinforce that clarity over time.
If you know me well enough, you know I love all sports. However, growing up as a kid in Bloomington/Normal, (Go IRON), my passion was always basketball. More than anything I wanted to play in the NBA, but my 5’11” inch height and my jumping ability held me back just a little. Although not an NBA player myself, as a fan I have witnessed how the San Antonio Spurs, a former NBA championship team, have exemplified what a healthy culture can do to help a team succeed and win.
In the world of NBA basketball very few teams are recognized for having this level of successful culture present on a day-to-day basis. Which organization holds this esteemed title from year to year? No it’s not the Golden State Warriors or even the recent World Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. More times than not, the answer will be the San Antonio Spurs. Over the last decade they have lived out this model. Why or how so? They do something that is increasingly rare in sports: they hire for culture fit. Their ownership, coaches and players focus on the cultural values that are an undeniable part of their success. Similar to this model, Four Seasons will remain competitive in our industry because we, too, are hiring for culture fit at all levels of the organization. Our core values guide us through the recruitment process and help us to build a stronger and unbeatable team.
Is your company healthy? Healthy cultures never happen by accident. Be intentional with your core values and watch your organization win!
Jeff Leverton
President & CEO
Four Seasons Health Club
