If you thought culture was only a big business phenomenon, think again because it just about runs your operation, medium or small. If neglected it can be a slow cancer that will take its toll sooner or later.
How can you develop an enduring culture blueprint?
1. Start with purpose
A compelling business purpose resonates with employees more than promise of monetary gain. Purpose supercedes all goals and talks to the difference your business seeks to make in the face of the universe.
When employees grasp and buy into the essence of that purpose, they start championing it and in the process establish a cultural tango that only that purpose can choreograph.
2. Relate cultural stories, play cultural games
Every day is an opportunity to observe, acknowledge and reinforce the behaviours in staff, suppliers and customers that are positively correlated with your business culture.
Initiate an ‘attitude’ workout before the weekly staff meeting. Present a ‘can-do attitude’ award of the month as voted by employees.
3. Codify your culture, weed out the rotten apples
Recruit for cultural fit before you seek qualifications. Listen out for attitudinal signals and belief systems in prospective employees that could be disruptive and steer clear.
Know the culture saboteurs and move them out at first opportunity, high performers or not. Continuously induct and refresh purpose, values, behaviour codes and ethics.