Lynda, Thanks so much for expanding the conversation! I am a big fan of Appreciative Inquiry and agree it’s a powerful way of envisioning what’s possible for the desired culture and building concrete actions to get there.

I am in turn around situation in which the “Old School Culture” is clinged to. Many of our employees have been with the company for in excess of 15 years and a handful as many as 30 years. The fact is, their values and family atmosphere contributed to many years of success. In recent years operations have become much more difficult as leaders move out and new leaders are hired and emerge from within. The change results in precisely what you have explained above and requires a delicate hand. The affinity diagram form of brain storming which I relate to the method you described is a effective tool. I have found the most effective tool is genuine communication as often as possible while reinstalling management systems that empower at the lowest possible level. Thats a lot easier said than done, but I believe will result in a sustainable and productive outcome. I enjoyed reading your work, I will no doubt visit again.

Thank you