For talent leaders, the biggest culture risk isn’t unclear values—it’s the widening gap between the values on the wall and the behaviors employees experience every day.
In this interactive video discussion, Michael Kern, Consulting Director at Human Synergistics, builds on his October Chicago keynote to explore why well-intentioned values initiatives stall—and what actually drives culture change at scale. Drawing on decades of research and real organizational data, Michael surfaces a hard truth: most organizations reward behaviors that contradict their stated values, often without realizing it.
Rather than replaying the keynote, this conversation shifts into application and reflection. Participants will examine how cultural “superheroes” and “saboteurs” show up through leadership behaviors, systems, and policies—and where small, targeted shifts can unlock meaningful performance gains.
This discussion is designed for leaders who want to move beyond culture statements and into the real work of aligning values, behaviors, and results.
Michael’s research makes visible what most leaders sense—but struggle to diagnose.
What this data reveals is uncomfortable—but actionable.
Most organizations believe they are values-driven, yet fewer than a quarter consistently experience those values in daily work. That gap isn’t cultural “noise”—it’s a performance signal.
In this discussion, leaders will examine how everyday behaviors, systems, and incentives quietly reinforce—or undermine—the culture they say they want, and where small, targeted shifts can create outsized impact.
Who Should Join This discussion is designed for leaders responsible for shaping culture, performance, and behavior at scale—across HR, talent, learning, and the business. If you’re wrestling with gaps between stated values and what actually gets rewarded, or trying to understand which behaviors accelerate performance—and which quietly undermine it—you’ll be in good company. How This Works Each discussion runs for 50 minutes and blends a short framing insight with open, peer-driven exchange. There are no slides to sit through and no pitches—just focused conversation designed to surface what’s working, what’s not, and what leaders are trying next as culture and performance collide in real organizations. Join the ELE Conversation These every-other-Friday discussions are part of ELE’s ongoing peer exchange for leaders shaping talent and work in the AI era. Come ready to listen, contribute, and learn alongside peers testing ideas in real organizations and sharing what they’re learning.Recordings are posted to ELE Insights within 2–4 business days.
