Is Your Culture “Winning”?

What is a Company Culture?

The common denominator for all small businesses is they are trying to turn a profit. The amount of profit can be different, but all businesses must produce a profit in order to be sustainable.

There are several intangibles, invisible factors, within a business that can indeed determine whether a business is succeeding or is truly successful.  We can start by discussing exactly what company culture is. The dictionary describes culture as “The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.”

With that definition in mind, ask yourself the following questions:

• What does your company pride itself on?
• How do you treat your team members?
• What kind of experience do you deliver?
• What are your values?

Why Should I Focus on Company Culture?

At this point, you may be thinking, “Why is this so important?”

In a strong economy, there is a lot of competition, and culture is what separates the good from the great.

A positive culture will allow you to recruit and retain the best team members. Team members can provide a remarkable experience or a terrible experience for your clients. A remarkable experience will lead to happy clients. Happy clients become repeat customers, which is one of your greatest forms of marketing. In addition to being able to retain the very best in both clients and employees, you will also be able to hit tangible goals with the increased business. Increased revenue means better bonuses, benefits, and more options for both your team and your customers. That positive feedback loop will continue to influence your team and your business in all the best ways.

Related: How to Develop a Giving Culture.

The best part about creating and maintaining a positive culture is that it’s free. It just takes a little time and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Make it a priority to build a positive culture.  You may be thinking that you don’t have the time to focus on building culture, but don’t you always find time for your priorities?

Take 5 minutes to give your employees a warm welcome each morning, just like you expect them to do for your customers. Support victories both big and small within the company. Acknowledge birthdays, work anniversaries, and go out to lunch as a team when possible. Schedule time away from the business for learning opportunities and growth opportunities. Allow for time for retreats and fun team-building activities like going golfing or bowling together. Respect the humility it takes for someone to come forward and admit they made a mistake or could have done better

If you do that, you can expect at least “5 Truths” to reveal themselves within your company.

The 5 Truths of a Healthy Positive Culture

1. Creates Accountability – Team members respect one another and hold each other accountable. This respect comes from being part of something bigger.
2. Promotes Personal and Professional Growth – Team members have personal and professional goals that a company with a positive culture cares about.
3. Improves Knowledge and Training – Learning and growing every day makes us better human beings.
4. High Moral Compass – Conducting day-to-day business with the utmost integrity and respect for others.
5. Empowers Your People – Solutions can come from anywhere, not just the top. People are much more willing to follow a process when they help develop it.