Driving a Culture of Integrity: The Case of Audi Mexico and Leaderlix
In an increasingly conscious business world of the importance of ethics and transparency, building a solid culture of integrity has become a priority. But, how can you achieve it in a large and complex organization? Audi Mexico, in collaboration with Leaderlix, has implemented an innovative initiative that offers valuable lessons for other companies seeking to strengthen their values and practices. Through "Integrity Talks", a program of cultural change and communication skills development, Audi Mexico is training its integrity ambassadors to build a more congruent and responsible culture from within.
Context: Innovation and Elegance with a Focus on Integrity
Since its inception, Audi has distinguished itself by its progressive technology and elegant design, attributes that the internal community deeply values. However, for the Volkswagen Group, to which Audi belongs, strengthening a culture of integrity has become crucial. This means ensuring that all employees know and apply the ethical principles that govern the company.
To address this challenge, Audi Mexico created an Integrity Committee, present in all areas of the company. This committee has worked tirelessly to promote a culture of integrity through various initiatives.
The Challenge: Engaging Middle Management
Despite the efforts of the Integrity Committee, a key problem was identified: team leaders did not always know how to actively involve their teams in integrity initiatives. This meant that the responsibility for spreading these projects fell mainly on Committee members, a difficult task given the size of the organization. The key to successful cultural change lies in middle management participation.
As Martin Mariscal Lahusen, Integrity and Compliance Officer at Volkswagen de México, points out, "This is a completely disruptive method. For me it has been a great way to open my mind, explore new alternatives, get out of my comfort zone and start the new challenge of communicating in a more efficient, inspiring and motivating way."
The Solution: Integrity Talks and the Power of Stories
To overcome this challenge, Audi Mexico's Integrity Committee partnered with Leaderlix to create "Integrity Talks", an initiative designed to consolidate integrity projects and empower leaders. The fundamental premise was clear: build companies based on solid values that guide employee behavior, rather than relying solely on what they consider appropriate at the moment.
Leaderlix, with its focus on stories and thought leadership, brought a unique perspective to the project. Its mission is to redefine the concept of "thought leadership", recognizing its crucial importance in creating cultural change.
Leadership Archetypes: Shaping Integrity
A fundamental part of the initiative was the identification and development of "leadership archetypes" that would embody the values of integrity. These archetypes served as role models for the rest of the organization, inspiring employees to adopt ethical and responsible behaviors.
Practical Advice: To identify leadership archetypes in your own organization, look for employees who consistently demonstrate the values you want to promote. Invite them to share their experiences and perspectives with others.
The Impact: A Two-Dimensional Event in Times of Pandemic
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative achieved significant impact. After exhaustive preparation with integrity "Champions", the "Integrity Talks" event was organized, a two-dimensional event that combined an in-person meeting with a select group of middle management leaders (following all safety measures) with live streaming to all offices and plants in the group. This ensured that all employees had the opportunity to participate and learn.
Concrete Example: During the event, leaders shared personal stories about how they had applied integrity principles in their daily work. These stories resonated with the audience and demonstrated the practical value of integrity.
Why Leaderlix?: Reframing Thought Leadership
Leaderlix defines itself as a company "in search of the ideas and stories that will change the world". Its focus on Reframing Thought Leadership was crucial to the initiative's success. By helping leaders tell stories of impact and inspiration, Leaderlix helped create a cultural movement that resonated throughout the organization.
Key to Success: Leaderlix not only provided content and training, but also acted as a catalyst for change, empowering leaders to become integrity ambassadors.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned for a Culture of Integrity
The experience of Audi Mexico and Leaderlix offers valuable lessons for other organizations seeking to strengthen their culture of integrity:
- Engage middle management: Team leaders are key to spreading integrity values and practices throughout the organization.
- Leverage the power of stories: Personal stories and concrete examples are more effective than policies and formal communications.
- Identify and empower integrity ambassadors: Recognize and support employees who consistently demonstrate the values you want to promote.
- Seek strategic partners: Work with organizations that share your vision and can bring expertise and specialized knowledge.
- Congruence is key: Leaders must practice what they preach and demonstrate genuine commitment to integrity.
By implementing these strategies, companies can build a solid culture of integrity that benefits their employees, customers and society at large. Audi Mexico's "Integrity Talks" initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to drive positive cultural change.