Intentional Culture Building 1—The Secret to Enterprise Enthusiasm™

Every business has a culture, overt or covert. Make it intentional and overt, and you have a power tool.

This tool attracts talent, attracts loyal customers and eases stress, because everyone knows what is expected of them and they know what to do!

Too much conversation spins around corporate culture. Not enough action is taken to implement and create a company dynamic. It frightens the "bean counters" (triangles) because they inherently are not geared to "people" skills. It is a communication style, not a flaw! When this type of style steers the ship, minimal communication is possible. Discussion is viewed as excuse making rather than stimulating innovation and creativity. Edward DeBono captures the essence of this in  his, "Six Thinking Hats" models. One of our POD Teleclasses will be devoted to understanding this "open architecture" model. (January 2006. Details will be available on the website.)

Why Is Culture Important?

It is vital, especially in today's blender environment, to have a playbook. People shifting between jobs in vertical industries creates dissonace. It takes a lot to continually have to adapt to new environments. Your company culture is a blueprint to assure consistency of your message, attitudes and direction.

The culture statement simply and clearly maps behavior, actions and expectations of the entire company. It says to your internal and external audiences how you conduct business. It removes surprises and builds confidence in working with associates within an organization.

Think of it as a blueprint, playbook or signature.

The Benefits of A Sound Culture

The benefits flow in easily. There is no need to “push” sales and services out the door. These benefits are magnets that draw what you need to you.

The benefits:

•  Generates credibility at all levels

•  Encourages loyalty base from inside and outside the company because of reliable role models

•  Increased mind share when using the “Give more, get more” approach

•  Maximizes existing resources—sustain time and money to established customers and personnel talent.

•  Removes suspicion and surprise. Everyone who comes in contact with you and your company knows what to expect.

Components to consider when intentionally building your company culture:

• Company Culture
• Alignment of values
• Company language—internal "speak", jargon, acronyms turned into plain English
• The spoken “scripts”—what is said about the company (media), within the company, as well as what you say it is.
• The unspoken language—what behavior is rewarded.
• The actuality—reality rather than illusion.

Actively Measure:

• Achievement
• Progress/Improvements
• Innovation
• What is Valued—teamwork, independence, creativity

Your Assignment—

1. Consider the companies morphing through violent market shifts. What makes them resilient?
2. Read the annual edition of Forbes Magazine, 100 Most Admired Companies To Work For.
3. Assess why they are so special.
4. Now you can assess yourself with the EQ-i®. Email me at mcubas@positivepotentials.com.
5. Compare the outcomes and head in the direction of your dreams!

You CAN do this! You're not alone. Just check in with me to monitor your progress.

Regards,

Enterprise Business Coach, CPCC—Brand Strategist & Armchair Publisher