What Is Culture, and Why the Rumble?

Culture is the unseen thread that connects us. It shapes how we think, act, and relate to one another. It’s not just the traditions we inherit or the practices we observe—it’s also the shared values, beliefs, and norms that guide our behavior.

In organizations, culture is often referred to as "the way things are done around here." It influences decision-making, communication, and relationships. Yet understanding culture requires digging deeper, looking beneath the surface to uncover its hidden layers.

The Iceberg Analogy of Culture

To make sense of culture, think of it as an iceberg. 

• Above the Waterline (Artifacts)
  These are the visible elements—how people dress, the office layout, rituals, and celebrations. They’re symbolic markers that signal identity but only scratch the surface of cultural depth.
• At the Waterline (Espoused Values)
  These are the values we claim to hold. They’re the things we say about who we are, often shared in mission statements or public messaging.
• Below the Waterline (Values-in-Action)
  This is where the real essence of culture resides. Values-in-action are the behaviors and practices that reveal what we truly prioritize. They often differ from espoused values, creating tension when our actions don’t align with our stated principles.

The Rumble: Reconciling Espoused Values and Values-in-Action

I describe the cultural transformation happening in the United States—and in many organizations I work with—as "the rumble." The rumble is the tension that arises when our espoused values and values-in-action don’t match.

For example, we might say we value inclusivity, but our hiring practices or decision-making processes tell a different story. This gap between words and behaviors creates cultural dissonance.

"The rumble is when who we say we are as a country, as a culture, or as a people doesn’t actually look like the way that we behave with each other and in our institutions."

The challenge isn’t just to articulate shared values—it’s to translate them into behaviors that align with and reinforce those values.

Understanding the Rumble in Your World

To explore how the rumble might show up in your life and work

• Dualist thinking and actions, like dismantling DEI and replacing it with MEI 
• The tension between what organizations and their leaders espouse, sometimes viewed as in opposition to actual practices 
• Fear at the personal level, of saying something that can be interpreted as offensive or being called out for not saying or doing enough (in the views of those who are calling out) 

Closing the Gap

When there’s a disconnect between espoused values and values-in-action, it erodes trust and undermines efforts to create positive change. Closing this gap requires two things:

1. Clarity of Shared Values
   We need to define the principles that guide us, as individuals and as organizations.
2. Alignment of Behaviors with Values
   Once values are clear, they must be reflected in our everyday actions, from how we communicate to how we lead.

Closing the gap between what we say and do applies beyond our organizational settings—it requires getting clear at every level, including family and communities. Shouting at those who have more power alone doesn’t close cultural gaps. Actually, it exacerbates an “us versus them” relationship. A more constructive approach–driven by leadership that understands, values and is willing to clear a path–is a coming together for clarification, definition, engagement and shared ownership in cultural pillars. 

We must not forget, nor give away our power. WE are an integral part of culture. Our words, choices, priorities are all part of the overarching narrative. Culture exists in every system we are a part of, and aligning our actions with our values is a universal opportunity.

The Call to Action

Though the experience we are feeling right now can feel difficult, we have tremendous opportunities. Rather than be disheartened by the tension, let’s embrace the space between the past and the future, a future that we help to design and breathe life into. This is a time for us to shape, nurture, demonstrate and encourage more of what we want to see in our workplaces and in the world. 

Whether you’re leading a team, managing a family, or contributing to your community, take a moment to reflect on the culture you’re shaping. How can you bring your values to life in a way that has a positive impact on those around you? 

You are not alone. You are part of a community—a culture—of like-minded individuals who share a vision for the world as it should be: a place where everyone has the ability and opportunity to thrive, not just survive. We invite you to connect with us. Join the Inclusive Manager’s Toolkit, an immersive learning experience designed to deepen your skills while surrounding you with others who face similar challenges and are eager to learn, grow, and share generously.