Hi, Scott - very useful and comprehensive post.

I was going to comment on the importance of making sure employees understand how what they do contributes to what the organization does, but Paula beat me to it.  Fortunately, many other valuable observations exist to consider.

I think perhaps that when you say "Create A Caring And Authentic Culture, Where People Feel Free To Bring Their Whole Self To Work" you are really getting to both an essential point for engagement and a very difficult thing to do in the real world.

The issue I see here is "How authentic do you want people to be?".  The old caveat about discussing politics, religion, and the quintessential question of life (Beatles or Stones?), being taboo at work comes to mind here.   I personally have fairly strong views regarding my identity as a liberal progressive Christian and often share those views, trying to keep things civil and respectful toward others who might disagree.

However, I have only been truly forthcoming since I have primarily been employed by self.  As an employee inside an organization, I never felt that I could or should share so much of what makes me ... well, authentically me.

How do we make our organizations such that differences are allowed and maybe even celebrated as what make us human, while still maintaining the ability to work with others whose values and beliefs differ?

John