Strategy Is Good But Good Company Culture is Better

The importance of cultivating the right company culture cannot be overstated.   Tony Zappos, CEO of Zappos tell us that “If you get culture right, most of the other stuff will take care of itself.”  Company culture is reflected in its employees.  It is observed and felt by its customers.   Investopedia.com shares that “Corporate culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a company’s employees and management interact and handle outside business transactions.  It develops organically over time from the cumulative traits of the people the company hires and is reflected in its dress code, business hours, office set up, employee benefits, turnover, hiring decisions, treatment of clients, client satisfaction and every other aspect of operations.”  Company culture is the foundation on which everything is built.

Progressive organizations realize the far reaching impacts of having a negative company culture and as such they work to provide an engaging, positive work environment for their employees.  Ann Rhoades admonishes leaders to understand that “Leaders need to take ownership of culture.  Our primary influence as leaders in business is always on people.”  Companies that focus on creating a good culture benefit in a number of ways.  They retain their employees, they have engaged employees who are willing to consistently go the extra mile and their employees are energized which helps the company to build and maintain its momentum.

Having a great company culture is paramount for the sustained success of any business.  According to Richard Branson, Virgin CEO,  ‘There is no magic formula for great company culture.  They key is to treat your staff how you would like to be treated.”  To help build company culture focus on the following:

• Hire wisely
• Provide good benefits
• Ask for and listen to employee feedback
• Communicate the company’s progress, vision and forecast for the future
• Focus on employees strengths not weaknesses
• Help employees excel in their area of strength
• Allow creative thinking
• Incorporate team building activities to create employee bonds
• Recognize & reward employees

Greg Harris from Quantum Workplace hit the nail on the head when he said, “Engaging the hearts, minds and hands of talent is the most sustainable source of competitive advantage.”  People are one of the most valuable assets a company can have.  Companies must take responsibility for providing an environment where its employees can thrive and succeed.

Tip of the week: Create a corporate environment that causes employees to want to show up to work and give their very best performance. This will lead to a more productive workforce, happy employees and happy customers.