Culture is the #1 Competitive Advantage: Mike Kerr

Stop Outsourcing Culture to HR From Toxic to Terrific: Small moments create big shifts

Episode 256 (Mike is based in Canmore, Alberta)

----

In this conversation we explore:

• The difference between workplace culture and humor—and how humor supports culture.

• Why culture is a company’s number one competitive advantage.

• The visible and invisible signs of strong or weak workplace culture.

• The impact of leadership on shaping and sustaining culture.

• Why every employee contributes to culture—not just HR or leadership.

• How intentional values and small behaviors shape long-term culture.

• The difference between healthy and toxic conflict at work.

• Simple, practical ways to assess and improve workplace culture.

• How humor, rituals, and fun foster psychological safety and team connection.

• The concept of an "umbrella value" and its influence on decision-making.

-----

About our guest, Michael Kerr:

Mike is the author of 9 books, including, The Jerk-Free Workplace, The Humor Advantage and Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results.

Learn more about Mike Kerr, his services and books at https://mikekerr.com/

-----

Key Learning Points from the Interview

1. Culture is a Competitive Advantage

   • Culture impacts productivity, retention, customer loyalty, and overall performance more than strategy alone.

2. Mojo Matters

   • Mojo is the vibe or energy of a workplace—it can be felt and should be maintained intentionally.

3. Humor Fuels Culture

   • Humor isn’t fluff; it builds psychological safety, encourages engagement, and reduces burnout.

4. Leadership Sets the Tone

   • Leaders act as culture conductors. Their words, mood, and mindset ripple through teams.

5. Everyone Owns Culture

   • Culture isn’t HR’s job alone. Every employee contributes to culture in every interaction.

6. Small Moments Have Big Outcomes

   • A culture is shaped more by consistent small gestures than by grand slogans or posters.

7. Define and Live Your Values

   • Real values are reflected in daily decisions, not corporate posters. Misaligned values create cynicism.

8. Conflict is Inevitable—Make It Constructive

   • Healthy cultures allow disagreement without blame or fear. Psychological safety matters.

9. Assess Culture With Gut Checks and Simple Questions

   • Ask: Would you recommend this workplace to a friend? What’s one thing you’d change?

10. Culture Attracts Talent

• Great cultures draw top talent. But to win them, you must showcase culture honestly and creatively.

-----

----more----

Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self.

In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.

 

Your host is George Torok

George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.

 

Connect with George

www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/

https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills

https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/