Culture is a broad term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.
But are we really right in defining culture this way? So, let’s find out what is right way to understand this.
Yes, culture is different from what we have been understanding and interpreting so far. Each and everybody’s life has a unique form of culture. The values that you define for your life provide the meaning for culture. So, culture forms a part of everyone’s life day in and day out. This means culture also has a role to play in every person’s profession. This brings us to the question of what role does culture have to play in small business / MNCs / other organizations? What do we mean by company with a “great culture”?
Culture in the context of small business / MNCs / organizations is the day-to-day interactions between staff and executive team members, or customers and various teams in the organization. An effective leader / CEO of an organization knows that his or her company’s success depends not only on a vision or product, but also on the people who carry out the vision and build the product. This is the reason why most of the companies invest a lot of energy into defining their values which is termed as “culture”.
“Company Culture is the product of a company’s values, expectations & environment”
Courtney Chapman, Product Manager, Rubicon Project, Los Angeles, California, US
Necessity of communicating company’s culture
Each professional adheres to his / her company’s culture when he / she is working in that organization. Hence, the culture needs to be rightly communicated across all its employees, else each employee will start interpreting the same based on his/her understanding. Communicating company’s culture and how it enables your business, becomes more consistent and effective when everyone understands it. So, are you ready to communicate your company’s culture? Here are Top 5 ways in which you can communicate your company’s culture.
1. Be Transparent
Staying transparent is very important not only in personal life but also for an organization. So, you have to be open in communicating your culture which means you cannot say one thing and do another which eventually reduces the trust amongst your team members. Similarly, the interaction between peers and team members should also be transparent. This will keep the entire team engaged towards in achieving the company goal as well as the professional growth of an individual.
2. Connect through Morning Meetings
To start your day with lot of energy and enthusiasm, it is good to schedule morning meetings. These meetings need not be long drawn focussing on business, but instead should be a short meeting of about 5 to10 minutes to exchange quick greetings. Saying “Hello” or “Good Morning” to team members, sharing motivational stories, motivational quotes or any good thoughts can definitely kick start your day with energy and enthusiasm. This also provides an opportunity for everybody to express their thoughts.
3. Share your learnings
Going by the quote of Zig Ziglar, “If you learn from defeat, you haven’t really lost”, never forget to discuss with your team members about their learnings from each task. Also, share your learnings with them. Learning from experience is one of the best ways to develop individuals and achieve your Company’s goals.
4. Give a pat on the back
It is always good to appreciate team members for their good work. Giving a pat on their back, builds camaraderie and feeling of happiness, positivity and cheer.
This in turn makes them feel more invested in your business and also the work culture. Also say “Thank You” whenever a job is accomplished successfully and congratulate them whenever they make an attempt to complete the task.
5. Be a Leader
Last but not the least, it is leading from front. This does not mean that you should be a good team leader but you need to be a leader who epitomizes the company’s culture. Yes, each and every one of us is a leader in their own way. So as and when a team member wants to share his/her thoughts and ideas, listen to them, respect each other and communicate effectively. And also make sure that you articulate with a lot of clarity and conviction whenever you convey something to your team members.
“For individuals, character is destiny. For organizations, culture is destiny”.
Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
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