The Four Influencing Factors for Company Culture
Starting a business is not simply the act of creating a company, but the entity of solving problems, serving a calling, and providing a purpose in an impactful and meaningful way. For many entrepreneurs, their goal is to create and establish a successful business. But in order to have longevity within their vision, they need to understand the importance of company culture.
In the grand scheme of things, great performances can never come without great people and strong culture working behind the scenes. As much as we can argue what is the silver bullet that drives a company’s success, we cannot deny the unspeakable truth of how teamwork, purpose, and company culture impacts a business. In the corporate world, the phrase ‘company culture’ has become somewhat of a buzzer word within the office. While company culture can be easy to overlook, it is important that we evaluate the unique social and psychological impact that these values and behaviors can have on a specific environment. At the end of the day, these values, these beliefs are what make the overall identity of an organization. If you want to see that ever-lasting growth and success, it is absolutely important that you shape and model your company culture for the better.
To do this, I have provided four influential factors that can help alter the identity and brand of your company’s culture. At the end of the day, we need to think of company culture as the end-all-be-all factor for success. As cliché as it may seem, we are only as great as our weakest link. In order to leverage our strengths and see untimely success, you as a business leader will need to find a way to establish that strong, positive, and productive culture in your office.
Establishing a Vision and Company Goals
Great company culture does not happen automatically. Even with great people, the candle itself cannot be lit without the true spark of life. For every company and organization, a business needs to start with a vision or mission statement. When it comes to your vision, be purposeful. Understand where you want your company to be and what milestones you are looking to hit month-after-month, year-after-year. This, in turn, will allow you to establish strong tangible goals that your company can accomplish moving forward in the future.
Identify your Core Values and Beliefs
Company values are the core characteristics of your work culture. They represent and articulate the goals, purpose, and beliefs you are looking to embody within your office. When establishing your values, think about what your company stands for. Utilize your vision and goals and allow both to shape various characteristics that can identify your company. This will give you the various guidelines and procedures that can shape the type of professional behavior and mentality you are looking to establish within the workplace.
Establish a Strong Line of Communication
In order to establish a strong, efficient, and consistent positive working environment, you want to make sure there is a high level of communication within the office. At times, the most toxic environments can be those where there are no signs of communication between workers and the higher ups. To assure guidance and support, you want to make sure your management and leadership team is providing a strong foundation for your employees to communicate with each other in a professional manner.
Recognize your Workers Efforts
Since primary school, we have always been taught about positive reinforcement. The ‘gold star’ sticker or the ‘good job’ comment was something that enshrined a sense of value and accomplishment within our work. Similar to schools, you want to make sure you are establishing a positive environment that recognizes the work and efforts of your workers. At the end of the day, many people want to know that their work is being valued. Even if it is a minimal comment, providing that positive feedback is something that can go the long way in the future.
