Service Design Show Why We Should Reframe Culture as a Design Challenge / Dan Szuc / Episode #239
Oct 23, 2025
Join Dan Szuc, a seasoned consultant and author, as he delves into the intricate world of workplace culture. He discusses how culture transcends mere company values, stressing that it is rooted in daily actions and experiences. Szuc shares practical techniques like 'practice spotting' and emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a healthy culture. Discover how to assess and transform organizational environments for meaningful work. Listeners are urged to reflect on their contributions to creating better workplaces.
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Use SPARKLE To Translate Values To Conduct
- Define the desirable conduct you want embodied with a simple mnemonic like SPARKLE (Supportive, Proactive, Adaptable...).
- Let teams adapt those values into concrete practices that fit their context.
Culture Needs Continuous Learning
- Continuous learning and receptiveness to change are core cultural capabilities for modern organizations.
- Without that readiness, people often react with fear when transformation is forced on them.
Map Openness, Then Co-Design Alternatives
- Start by mapping where people sit between openness and resistance to change and surface stories via practice spotting.
- Then identify current conduct and co-design alternative conduct for those moments that matter.
