5 Things Leaders Must Do to Protect Their Healthy Cultures From Internal And External Threats

An Invasive Species

In December 2024, officials from Washington Agriculture announced the successful eradication of the northern giant hornet—commonly known as the “murder hornet”—from the United States.  This invasive species, first detected in Washington state in 2019, posed significant threats to local ecosystems, particularly honeybee populations essential for pollination.  The eradication effort required coordinated action, community involvement, and persistent vigilance.

This achievement offers valuable insights for leaders aiming to protect and preserve their organization’s culture.  The following are five things leaders must do to protect their healthy culture from internal and external threats:

5 Things Leaders Must Do to Protect Their Healthy Cultures From Internal And External Threats

Just as the northern giant hornet threatened the ecological balance, negative influences can infiltrate and disrupt a healthy organizational environment.  Leaders must remain vigilant, proactive, and committed to safeguarding their culture against such threats.

1. Recognize Threats

The first step in protecting organizational culture is recognizing potential threats. In the case of the northern giant hornet, early detection was crucial.  Similarly, leaders should be attuned to signs of negativity, disengagement, or behaviors that contradict the organization’s core values. Regular assessments, open communication channels, and fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable voicing concerns can aid in early detection of cultural threats.

2. Community Involvement

In this article, U.S. Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s deputy administrator Mark Davidson said, “We are proud of this landmark victory in the fight against invasive species.  The success of this effort demonstrates what’s possible when agencies and communities unite toward a common goal.”

The eradication of the hornets was a collective effort involving residents, researchers, and officials.  Community members placed traps, reported sightings, and participated actively in the eradication process.  This collective vigilance was instrumental in the success of the operation.

In an organizational context, protecting culture should not rest solely on leadership.  Engaging the entire team in upholding and promoting the organization’s values creates a shared sense of responsibility.  Encourage team members to act as stewards of the culture, empowering them to address behaviors that undermine it and to support initiatives that reinforce it.

3. Strategic Action and Persistence

Eradicating the northern giant hornet required strategic planning, innovative tracking methods, and persistent efforts over several years.  Similarly, maintaining a healthy organizational culture demands ongoing commitment.  Leaders should implement clear strategies to address cultural challenges, provide continuous education and training, and remain steadfast in their efforts to reinforce positive behaviors and values.

4. Adapt and Be Vigilant

Despite the current success, officials have emphasized the need for continued vigilance to prevent re-infestation.

Washington Agriculture’s pest program manager Sven Spichiger noted, “Luckily, we were already on the lookout for hornets when they showed up in Washington in 2019.  Although they are now eradicated from the state, we’ll always be keeping an eye out for them and encourage community members to do the same.  They got here once, and they could do it again.”

Organizations, too, must remain alert to emerging challenges and be willing to adapt strategies to protect their culture.  Regularly revisiting and revising policies, staying informed about industry trends, and being open to feedback can help in maintaining cultural integrity.

5. Celebrate Success

Acknowledging and celebrating the eradication of the hornet serves to reinforce the behaviors and strategies that led to success.  In organizations, celebrating milestones and recognizing contributions that strengthen culture can motivate and inspire continued commitment.  Public acknowledgment of team efforts, rewards for exemplifying core values, and sharing success stories can reinforce the desired culture.

Conclusion

The eradication of the northern giant hornet from the U.S. is a testament to the power of vigilance, community involvement, strategic action, and persistence.  Leaders can draw parallels from this achievement to understand the importance of protecting their organizational culture from negative influences.  By recognizing threats, engaging the community, acting strategically, remaining adaptable, and celebrating successes, leaders can foster a resilient and thriving organizational environment.

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Brian Dodd

Brian Dodd is the author and content coordinator for Brian Dodd On Leadership. In addition to overseeing this site's content, Brian is Director of New Ministry Partnerships for INJOY Stewardship Solutions where he helps churches develop cultures of generosity. Brian has also authored the critically-acclaimed book The 10 Indispensable Practices Of The 2-Minute Leader.