Culture Design Canvas

When to use Culture Design Canvas

Use this method when an organization needs to understand and shape its culture, align values with behaviors, and create a more intentional and effective workplace.

What it solves

Misalignment between espoused values and actual behaviors, lack of clarity around cultural priorities, difficulty in translating values into concrete actions.

How to run Culture Design Canvas, step by step

1. Assemble a diverse team representing different levels and departments. (15 min)
2. Individually, have each participant draft their own version of the canvas. (30 min)
3. As a group, collaboratively fill out the Culture Design Canvas, starting with the Core (Purpose and Values). (60 min)
4. Move to the Emotional Culture (Psychological Safety, Feedback, Rituals) and then the Functional Culture (Decision-Making, Meetings, Norms and Rules). (60 min)
5. Review the completed canvas for clarity, consistency, and alignment. Identify key themes and actionable insights. (30 min)

Materials needed

• Culture Design Canvas template (printed or digital)
• Sticky notes
• Markers
• Whiteboard or large paper
• Timer

Facilitator tips

• Encourage open and honest dialogue, creating a safe space for participants to share their perspectives.
• Ensure that the discussion remains focused on behaviors and actions, rather than abstract concepts.
• Remind participants to consider both what is rewarded and what is punished within the organization.

Common pitfalls

• Mapping the ideal culture instead of the real one. Emphasize the importance of honesty and accuracy.
• Filling the canvas too quickly without sufficient reflection. Allocate enough time for each section.
• Creating a generic canvas that lacks unique characteristics. Encourage participants to think critically about what makes their organization distinct.

Variations

• Use the canvas to map the culture of a specific team or department.
• Compare the current culture canvas with a desired future state canvas to identify gaps and develop action plans.
• Use the canvas to analyze the cultures of different organizations during a merger or acquisition.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a collaborative whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural to allow remote participants to contribute to the canvas in real-time.

What it produces

A completed Culture Design Canvas outlining the organization's purpose, values, priorities, emotional culture, and functional culture.

Origin

Created by Gustavo Razzetti — source

Build a session around Culture Design Canvas

METODIC places Culture Design Canvas inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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