Want to create a more engaged workforce? Start with your culture first. Why? Today’s competitive workplace needs a workforce with advanced skills in problem-solving, learning from mistakes and being self-directed.  You might set these expectations for your workforce and provide training.  Nevertheless, you will never foster a motivated workforce unless and until your culture is right. Let’s say your existing culture is one where people get blamed for mistakes. In a blaming culture, will people feel safe enough to be forthcoming when problems occur? Or, people feel micromanaged. In a command and control culture, will people take ownership? You need to address the culture first, acknowledge what’s going on and determine whether your current ways of working support or undermine your organizational objectives. It is culture first.  Get it right.  And when it’s right, you will achieve the desired results.