CULTURE STILL MATTERS THE MOST
Early on in my career, I believed that strategy was the key to building a great company. Over time, I learned something more powerful: culture is what makes it all work. You can map out the perfect plan, but without the right energy, people, and environment, it simply will not stick. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” for a reason.
Certainly, vision and strategic work play key roles. Equally, a competitive compensation structure, benefits, and advancement opportunities all come into play. However, culture is the glue that binds it all together.
Defining Your Existing Culture
Merriam-Webster defines culture as the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize an institution or organization.
Every company has these, whether they are good, bad, or even exceptional. Taking an honest assessment of your existing state is a challenging, but worthwhile exercise. It also serves as a starting point for determining next steps and the types of adjustments that need to occur.
It Ranks Bigger Thank You Think
Talented professionals will always have their pick of the most desirable companies. However, your culture can be the compelling difference. It is that same ethos that will be a crucial factor in retaining people long term.
An interesting revelation from a study conducted by Deloitte shows that over 90% of employees value accomplishment, culture, and autonomy over money as motivators. In other words, compensation only gets you so far if people don’t like where and who they work for. Companies that put this philosophy first and prioritize it are rare. This also creates an opportunity.
Those Difficult Collaboration Conversations
Encouraging collaboration is crucial to not only building but also maintaining a robust, high-energy culture. Companies must be mindful that there is a need for a team based, client-centric, value driven organization where information and ideas are shared.
There is no room for prima donnas. A company cannot be channeled toward common goals when a few individuals believe that their priorities are more important than the greater good. While everyone should be given an opportunity to have their voice heard, eventually, negative personalities and toxic talent must be removed.
Leadership Sets the Tone
I have seen companies that perfectly blend a variety of different work styles and energy types to create a unique environment. You can make this your own. There is no single defined set of rules. Just remember, if those at the top of your organizational chart are serious about achieving first-class work with excellence and integrity, your culture will reflect that.
Dare To Be Different
Surrounding yourself with a talented team that embraces a focused, thoughtful way of doing business does not happen by chance. It requires conscious choices in the selection and development of team members.
Dare to be different! Recognizing that action must be taken is the first step in the journey.
