Creating great culture in an organization is key in today’s world. When organizations are just being developed, leaders and followers can all sit and talk through every decision together. The challenges at this stage are simpler and messages are much clearer. There’s a lot less uncertainty about essential items and how to deal with things as they arise.
As teams and organizations begin to grow you may suddenly be faced with a situation in which you don’t know everyone on the team. The team of five is significantly different than an organizational 50 individuals. It becomes more difficult to communicate with the larger group and get a consistent resolution and process in place for everything. A solid culture can provide the guidelines to work within. Here is a list of the top 5:
Ownership – depending on the size of the team or organization there must be one person who will be directly responsible for culture. This person shall focus on culture and make sure that everyone is heading in the same direction.
Leadership – the culture will be shaped by its leader. The leadership team must embrace the brand that is desired. Ideally a teamwork culture is highly regarded and the leaders must work together as a team.
Ask questions – asking very simple questions of leaders and employees will help clarify the desired culture. For example, what do you like most about the current culture? What would you like to change about the current culture? How do you personally define culture? What do you think it’s important about culture?
Focus – it would be rare to find a group of six that works as a team and has the same kind of passion for the work that they are doing. The team should focus on what is best for the product or for the customers and then act accordingly.
Communication – this is the key to any team or organization’s culture. You must be clear about the values and culture both at internal and external levels. All employees must appreciate the culture. Reward those who promote the culture while being truthful with those who do not. Communication of culture should be an ongoing and regular activity.
-RG
