Culture restoration
At the Rijks museum in Amsterdam, there is a restoration happening to Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”, which was painted in 1715. This restoration is taking place in full sight using the most advanced technologies and expertise that could be mustered. This restoration began in 2019 and aimed to bring the painting as close to its original form as possible, using advanced technology and the expertise of conservators. Every decision made by the team of restorers is a delicate balance between restoration and respecting the past. Much like the restoration of “The Night Watch,” there is restoration of nature and urban spaces. Even restoration of an organization’s culture involves a similar process of careful examination.
Culture Restoration requires more than just a broad, one-size-fits-all solution. It demands a clear and intentional focus, involving interventions that identify those toxic pockets and tackle them head-on. The goal is to create an organization where every action and behavior, from top leadership to frontline operations, is connected and aligned with the organization’s core values and strategy. When culture that has been thoughtfully rebuilt with trust, empathy, and inclusion, the organization flourishes with people and results thriving together.
Trust
Trust is at the core of any restored organization. It’s the invisible thread that holds everything together, the element that gives employees the confidence to speak openly, collaborate freely, and feel safe in their roles. Without trust, the culture of an organization can quickly become toxic. Reflecting on our experiences, when we encountered a workplace lacking trust, the atmosphere was noticeably tense. People started to hold back, afraid to express their ideas or concerns because of fear- fear of judgment, fear of retribution, or fear of making mistakes.
Empathy
At the heart of a restored organization, you find empathy, creating an environment where everyone feels truly valued and understood. When empathy is absent, people often feel isolated and unsupported, motivation plummets, and one doesn’t feel safe to speak up. Restoring empathy is essential to healing this kind of damage. When empathy becomes a guiding principle in an organization, it transforms how people communicate and work together. As empathy starts to take root, the walls created by toxic behaviors begin to crumble, replaced by a supportive, restored environment where people are motivated to contribute.
Inclusion
Inclusion in a restored organization works hand in hand with empathy. While empathy helps us understand each person better, inclusion ensures that every person, regardless of background, feels seen, heard, and valued. It’s about creating an environment where diverse voices can contribute meaningfully, and decisions reflect a broad range of perspectives. When an organization embraces inclusion and encourages all voices to be heard, it creates a culture of belonging. Employees feel respected and empowered, knowing their perspectives matter.