Everybody wants to either create a new culture for their organization or do it from scratch. Which of the two do you declare is your venue? Or maybe you haven’t thought of needing one, or more-so never thought of having a culture at all.
But, now that I put it in front of you, you’re thinking, “To have a culture, or not to have?” AHH..the question!
Cultures play different roles in different organizations. No two cultures are alike! Just as no two people are alike. What one type of culture can do for one may not do the same for another; not that its bad, it just doesn’t fit your type of organization.
“Creating a culture for your company is like picking a suit/dress, or shoes it has to feel, look, and wear just right or it won’t go far.”
Next question to ask yourself is, “What kind of culture do I want for my organization?” Sophisticated, light, cheerful, fun, debonair (to name a few)? Maybe a mix, such as fun yet sophisticated, light yet debonair.
Don’t go for dark or
gloomy, you’ll chase people away.
Seriously though, you need to think of the atmosphere you want to portray in your company. Think of it as a stimulus. You want it to perpetrate all the persons involved; to be a part of something bigger than themselves to invade their personage (in a good way).
The type of business you run plays a major part in the culture type you need to have in order to be successful for years to come. It’s not a one size fits all, it has to be true to you and the mission you’re on, the end being in mind from the beginning.
What do clients see when they walk into your respective business, especially new clientele? First time impressions mean everything, whether it’s a date, first day at a new career move, a meeting, etc. What does your opening act personify to the client?
How can culture affect employees, 1. they are eager to start their day, or 2. just another day at the office, blah, blah, blah?
Culture is always there, (good or bad) whether we observe it or not.
Your Culture is the very essence of your company, it’s the heart and core values wrapped up in everything you and your company stand for.
A good introduction is the book Corporate Cultures by Terrence Deal and Allan Kennedy. A more in-depth examination is the book The Cultures of Work Organizations by Harrison Trice and Janice Beyer. These will help you start your “Cultural journey”.
Happy culturing! Cheers, Jack
Arnold Group's Sphere-Logic Business Thinking 