"Your Competitive advantage is in the company you keep."
BRING US TOGETHER PT. 1
THE CULTUREDISCUSSIONS
Corporate culture is a topic that has gained lots of traction over the past decade. It's been lauded as a priority leaders just can’t ignore. However, with varying interpretations of what "it" is and how culture is applied, many find themselves in a pinch.
For starters, Corporate Culture cannot be purchased or manufactured (though so-called "experts" will say otherwise). Instead, think of culture as a living, breathing organism that you must constantly nurture. Your culture should represent all aspects of your firm’s authentic makeup.
When a leader struggles to articulate “the culture”, it’s a sign that perhaps the rest of the organization hasn't a clue. You’ll hear a mix of values, attributes, stories, grievances, etc. Clearly, a company that can't communicate the attributes of its culture is failing.
Understand that your culture represents something deeper than casual talking points.
"People don't work for you, they choose to work with you."
BRING US TOGETHER PT. 2
BENEFITS OF DISTINCTION
Talent Acquisition:
Professional job seekers aren’t interested in your company's Ping-pong room and other amenities. They want to be part of an organization that is driven by purpose, provides meaningful work and respects the contributions of its people. The reputation of your culture determines whether you attract inspired professionals or "perk focused" amateurs.
Brand Reputation:
Purchasing decisions are often influenced by the perceived value of your brand as a whole. Your investment in products and services must also include an investment in your people. When a client/customer chooses to work with your firm, they are doing so based on the relationships they have with your staff. Buyers are looking for partners that have a reputation for retaining and training the people who represent the brand.
Your brand and culture are synonymous. An attractive culture retains great people, attractive brands retain great customers.
"Leaders without vision will follow a mission without value."
TOGETHER IS BETTER
Call it what you want, culture mirrors everyone associated, especially you.
As the chief exemplar of culture, leaders should be more concerned about losing influence with people. Culture is not a checklist item that once established, you take a break. In fact, it is a constant call for improvement beyond your Mission, Vision, Value (MVV) posters. You must keep the flame hot and tend to those who have the most impact––your people.
Some executives are great with business and not so great in the people department. Remember, culture is not a Human Resources exercise. To leverage the power of your people, you're going to need to learn new ways to communicate and drive the company to new heights.
CRAIG NEAL® THE COLLABORATOR®
CULTURE LIVES WITHIN PEOPLE®
Face it, a basic survey won't help you establish the climate of your organization's culture. You can best serve your people by investing in the expertise needed for this kind of change. Even more, an engagement that is brief and flexible, to ensure your people can seamlessly do their best work. As your Collaborator, I'll work closely with you and your people to identify systemic practices that enable (or impede) organizational development. Together, we'll develop systems and strategies to address culture, organizational change, communication, and mutual accountability.